East Coast farmers are gearing up to confront a formidable dual challenge – an imminent El Niño drought and the ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating impact of Cyclone Gabrielle.
In this trying period, a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) is providing much-needed optimism, equipping farmers with another tool to help predict and prepare for extreme weather conditions.
Cyclone Gabrielle left a trail of destruction in its wake when it swept through the country in February. Critical water infrastructure, including water pumps and pipelines to troughs, bore the brunt of the cyclone's fury. Consequently, farmers are now heavily reliant on surface water for their animals – a precarious situation that could worsen if a prolonged El Niño summer takes hold.
Hawke's Bay farmer Rhea Dasent was among those struck hard when a record drought hit the region in 2019, and said she has learned valuable lessons since.
"We are turning over 9 hectares for pastoral kale that can provide extra feed. Kale can survive the warmer dry conditions," she said.
"The other thing we are doing is planning on de-stocking. We normally hold about 400 beef bulls, and we normally go down to about 150 over the summer because Hawke's Bay always has a hot summer. But this year, we are preplanning on dropping to under 100."
Another tool helping farmers prepare has emerged from the innovative quarters of NIWA. The institute has developed a website that predicts a 35-day forecast for dryness and drought. Developed in close collaboration with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), this tool empowers primary producers with early warning signs, allowing them to make strategic adjustments weeks ahead of potential crises.
However, despite these preparations and forecasting tools, a sobering warning lingers.
Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay president Jim Galloway said extended dry periods can have a ripple effect on consumers.
"When coupled with hot winds, the ground can swiftly lose moisture, transitioning from lush green to parched brown in a matter of weeks," he said.
"Ultimately, these challenges may translate into increased costs for both farmers and consumers."
With summer on the horizon, East Coast farmers are hopeful that the decisions made today will fortify them against future losses.
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