The rain that battered the south at the end of last week has only added to what has been a woeful spring season for Southland and Otago farmers.
Most of Southland has seen more than 300 milimetres of rain since August, while Otago farmers lost stock and have widespread damage to fencing after the flooding last week. Farmers are struggling to keep animals fed, lamb death rates were higher and it has been a struggle to sow any crops. There are real concerns for farmer morale because it has been such a struggle.
Federated Farmers Southland meat and wool chairman Dean Rabbidge says there are usually isolated parts feeling the pinch from difficult conditions but this year it is region-wide and included parts of South Otago. Milton sheep and beef farmer Nigel Woodhead says his farm was hit by the recent flooding in Otago and that if it was only days earlier it could have been devastating for lambing season.
Scenes south of Balclutha as the district is under a state of emergency. Photo: Lisa Dunlop via Otago Weather Updates / Facebook
