Feed shortage - ‘the rain came too late’

The dry spring, summer, and autumn have severely affected farmers and lifestyle block owners, making it hard to find enough feed for their animals.

Many are now spending heavily on expensive feed, a financial burden that could take up to two years to recover from. Depleted winter reserves and stunted autumn growth forced them to buy baleage, palm kernel, and barley.

Transport costs rose by 9-12 per cent at the start of July, adding to the strain as farmers truck feed from across the South Island.

“Many people think when the rain comes the drought is over, this is not the case. The rain hasn’t brought any growth as it’s too cold, the rain came too late,” Top of The South Rural Support Trust coordinator Sarah White explains.

Sarah says that farmers she is in contact with have been very proactive, have destocked early and were fortunate to have more feed than usual on hand due to the last two seasons being good for making feed, however, many are well through that feed now and are feeling “tired and not overly optimistic about things”.

“With decreased prices for meat and wool and increased interest rates and costs it’s tough going.”

She has a list of people with feed in some areas and has been encouraging locals to band together when buying feed to bring the cost of transport down.

Maruia beef and dairy farmer and Nelson Federated Farmers dairy chair, Brian Dineen, says that with an ever-changing budget people need to be having conversations with their bank and accountant early.

“Have conversations early, the last thing you want to do is be at the bank at Christmas, so do things early,” Brian explains.

“You also don’t want to push your farm that hard that it’s detrimental to next season so don’t leave anything to surprise. Look at feed budgeting and talk with your bank and accountant now.”

Brian mentions that in previous years Canterbury and Timaru usually supply feed to our area during shortages. However, due to drought in North Canterbury and other parts of the Top of the South, these regular suppliers have run out early.

Federated Farmers have relaunched their Feed Coordination Service to help connect those who have surplus feed with those who need it.

Please note this service is only intended to connect buyers with sellers – they aren’t coordinating feed donations. Visit Federated Farmers website for details. Rural Support Trust also has a list of feed available in the Top of the South as well as assistance and support for those under financial pressure. They can be contacted on 0800 787 254.

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