Huge spring winds cause significant damage, especially in Canterbury; urgent need for generators

Content supplied by Federated Farmers

(Updated with call for generators)

Federated Farmers is working with the Rural Support Trust to coordinate a response to the severe weather event in the South Island.

“Farmers in Canterbury have been hit especially hard, with power outages, farm equipment being blown over and trees being wiped out,” says Katie Mile, Federated Farmers Adverse Event Spokesperson.

“We are particularly concerned about animal welfare with power outages on dairy farms. It means farmers are unable to milk their stock or get water to them.  As cows are coming up to their peak milk production they will be particularly thirsty, so water access is crucial."

“These power outages will also affect dairy company’s collection times from farms. Dairy companies are keeping in touch with farmers to coordinate a response in this regard."

“Access to generators will be fundamental to getting dairy farmers through the next few days. Federated Farmers has activated their 0800 line (327 646) for farmers to communicate who has access to generators and who needs them."

“Farmers can also phone their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 for advice and support."

“Farmers must be particularly careful around how they go about cleaning up. The impact is monumental, with trees over power lines and fences, and the damage to pivots, the recovery will take some time,” concluded Ms Milne.

Update: Urgent need for generators

Power cuts throughout the South Island and significant damage to irrigators will mean that some dairy farmers will not be able to milk for some time and access to water will prove problematic.

Federated Farmers says most herds are at the beginning of their milking cycle, which will be demanding on farmers with out power.

“Farmers are in urgent need of generators to get them through the next few days. If you have a generator spare, there are farmers prepared to travel great lengths to get them. So please get in touch if you are able to help out,” says Katie Milne, Federated Farmers Adverse Event Spokesperson.

“We advise dairy farmers that in this event they can afford to be flexible with milking herds, reducing milking to once a day or twice in three days to get them through this."

“Dairy farmers must be careful in that they keep feeding their herds well to avoid the drying-off process as it will be harder to get cows back to full production. Cows need to be milked out properly to avoid them developing mastitis."

“An update from Orion says farmers could be with out power for up to five days in areas west of Christchurch.  It is key to check on your neighbours and ask friends and family for help if necessary."

“This is going to seriously hit farmers in the Canterbury region and we advise farmers who have been affected to get in touch with the Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254, if they need support or advice,” concluded Ms Milne.