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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 25, 2022
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Rain still needed in the south Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz ABOUT 20mm of rain so far this month has given southern South Island farmers some respite from a prolonged dry, but leaders warn the region is running out of time to recover. Wyndham farmer Dean Rabbidge says 5mm of rain earlier this week following 25mm previously, has provoked some grass growth. “It has taken three or four falls of rain to get it going,” he says. Further north, Otago Federated Farmers president Mark Patterson says the situation in the Clutha district remains serious, with less rain falling this month than in Southland. Patterson, who farms near Lawrence, has had just 10mm of rain in the past week or so, which has done little more than freshen pasture. “We still have a long way to go. “Forecast rain can’t come soon enough but we are running out of runway.” Fortunately, days are still warm which will encourage some pasture growth, but
nights and mornings and cool and frosts could begin in the coming weeks. Both leaders says sheep farmers have been able to quit surplus stock although demand for calves is low and milk flows are falling sharply. Rabbidge, the federation’s Southland meat and fibre chair, also operates a dairy farm and says he is considering a shift to once a day milking.
It has taken three or four falls of rain to get it going. Dean Rabbidge Federated Farmers Sheep farmers are also considering whether to mate hoggets and, if they do, some are telling him they may only have rams out for 10 days or so. Baleage is available and Rabbidge has sourced a unit load from Canterbury for $90/ bale but is paying $65/bale in cartage due to a lack of backloads to spread the cost.
Patterson says farmers have been proactive in reducing stock numbers and reduce feed demand. “Not many people have sleep-walked into this.” Stock has been sold to farmers further north, some are feeding sheep nuts, started on saved winter feed or have found grazing. The biggest concern is delays in getting prime cattle killed as processors juggle space with cull cows. Patterson says a harsh winter will be challenging given the volume of feed on hand. WeatherWatch chief forecaster Phil Duncan says a cold front this weekend could bring 70mm of rain to parts of the south but also cooler temperatures. He says temperatures will be mild, up to 14degC during the day and 7-8degC at night, which should not stymie pasture growth too much. From May to July Duncan says temperatures in the south are forecast to be up to 1degC above average and rainfall slightly below average. North of Dunedin is leaning wetter than average especially at the top of both islands.
TESTING TIMES: Otago Federated Farmers president Mark Patterson says the situation in the Clutha district remains serious, with less rain falling this month than in Southland.
Merger for health and protection associations ONE VOICE: Agcarm president Gavin Kerr says it is the right time to unite the organisations representing animal health and crop protection manufacturers.
THE two associations representing the crop protection and animal health industries will merge this month, with a name change to follow in July. Agcarm and the Animal Remedies and Plant Protectant Association (ARPPA) will join forces to become a single united industry voice named the Animal and Plant Health Association of New Zealand Inc.
The new association represents more than 90% of New Zealand’s animal health and crop protection manufacturers - a one-billiondollar industry, with a value of $20 billion to the New Zealand economy - as well as rural retailer businesses and associate members. “By joining together, we have one united industry voice representing our members to
government, consumers and other stakeholders,” Agcarm president Gavin Kerr says. “It’s an exciting and challenging time for our industry and the right time to unite and strengthen our voice,” Kerr says. ARPPA chairperson Ed Catherwood says that his members “voted unanimously to join with Agcarm”. “We’ve been working
together as our interests have become increasingly aligned in recent years, so joining together as a single organisation is the obvious next step. “This merger is a fitting tribute to the late Colin Harvey, a long time ARPPA chairman and renowned industry veteran, who advocated for this merger,” Catherwood says.
A friend who’s there, when the weather’s not so fair Our agribusiness managers are with you for the long haul Rabobank is a specialist agribusiness bank. That means, the challenges that you’re facing as a farmer are our challenges as well. Our agribusiness managers and other knowledgeable specialists are available to talk with you face-to-face. By getting a deeper understanding of your business, we can better help you to reach your business goals. Whatever challenges or opportunities your farm is facing, we’ll work with you to get you where you want to be. Give us a whistle on 0800 500 933 or visit rabobank.co.nz
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