Drought hits farms hard

It’s been a game of two halves for Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation’s kaimahi this season with ideal farming conditions giving way to drought and the global coronavirus outbreak.

“It’s very hard when you are beginning to think that you are on for a record year productionwise and then suddenly you are in crisis mode,” says Siwan Shaw, Business Manager for Ātihau- Whanganui Inc. “But we have great management plans in place and the investment in our farms is paying off in terms of water reticulation and fencing, easing some of the pressure on our farm teams.”

At the end of 2019 there was excellent grass growth, beef prices were high and the milk production from the Ātihau-Whanganui Inc dairy herd was on track to record levels.

“But someone turned the taps off,” said Siwan. “After Christmas there was no rain and our farms just got drier and drier.”

“Then the coronavirus outbreak began having an impact on the Chinese markets and suddenly the meatworks were no longer taking animals, just when farmers were looking to reduce stock levels due to lack of feed.”

“The water tables are going down and we are having to give our cattle and sheep feed that had been intended for winter.”

“Dealing with drought can be a stressful time for our farming whānau as they work hard to ensure their animals continue to receive the food and water they need.”

But learnings from previous droughts and recent changes within the farming policy meant the organisation had an action plan ready, with all cull ewes being sold before Christmas thereby easing pressure on grazing.

Lambs have been sold at a reduced store price, again reducing the demand on feed and water. The favourable growing conditions in the fi rst half of the season also meant that excess feed could be laid by, which will help keep the winter feed bill as low as possible.

“We pride ourselves on being able to meet challenges in a deliberate, well-thought out way that limits any impact on our animals, our whenua and on the business itself,” says Siwan. “By not waiting until things got critical before responding to the lack of rain, we have put ourselves in the best possible position so we can continue servicing our contracts with Angus Pure and Foodchain, our two biggest customers, and keep any fi nancial losses to a minimum.”

“We have also been monitoring on any planned expenditure over and above what needs to be spent to keep the business going until the situation improves, both in terms of the weather and the marketplace.”

Siwan says the reaction of the kaimahi to the situation has been inspiring, with team members stepping up to ensure that the animals are given top priority care.

“While it is a stressful time, our farm teams are responding with a positive attitude and really good management plans that will see us through until, fi ngers crossed, the autumn rain comes again.”