Drought is bad enough, back to back drought is even worse and that’s the problem for parts of North Canterbury, Central Plateau, Taihape and Wairarapa.
Agriculture Minister David Carter has extended drought relief to these areas because like Haweks Bay and Gisborne/Wairoa which had already been declared drought regions, they’re facing their third year of low rainfall.
Farmers in all these areas are heading for a tough winter. As soil temperatures plummet, rain has come too late for many. Rain, sunshine and high soil temperatures are needed for grass to grow,” says Mr Carter.
“What is making it worse is these farmers have suffered back-to-back drought for three years.
“The situation is forcing some farmers to sell off capital stock, and stock numbers were already down because of previous droughts.”
Temperatures have plummeted in North Otago in the last week and we’ve noticed the lawn is barely growing which means pasture growth will have all but stopped too.
At this time of year we have to be careful what we wish for because the rain which makes the grass grow when it’s warm produces mud when it’s cold.
At risk of proving that farmers always have too much weather while rain to boost soil moisture levels for spring growth would be welcome, rain that resulted in mud would not.
Homepaddock 
I would happily send you some of our Northland rain if could.
It has played havoc with the washing as well as Barnsley’s mowing duties.
If it carries on much longer, he will be bankrupt and I won’t have a thing to wear!
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