Dry weather still impacting areas of Hawke’s Bay

The dry spell is not over for some farmers in Hawke’s Bay.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council warns farmers that weather forecasts are not predicting any significant rain for the region during the first half of April.

Although Cyclone Pam provided some relief last month, its effects were not evenly spread. Some parts of Hawke’s Bay got significant rain, while others received very little. Areas in the southern part of the region between Takapau and Patangata to Mangaorapa and beyond are still very dry.

The Hawke’s Bay Adverse Events Trust continues to monitor the situation. They note that farmers, in general, are making the right decisions and are coping well in comparison to similar events in the past.

“More Hawke’s Bay farmers seem to have picked up valuable lessons from previous droughts and dry periods, and are adapting their land management practices and strategies to suit the climate,” says HBRC Chairman Fenton Wilson.

Federated Farmers Hawke’s Bay President Will Foley says that it is next year’s production that will be impacted.

“I would say the Ongaonga area is fine and getting the odd 5ml which is all adding up. The Takapau area though is struggling to get any decent follow up rain. Pasture is still growing slowly though where there is no grazing pressure. Most guys still seemed to be coping, but it will be next year’s production this dry weather is starting to affect now.”
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