Haylage to Marlborough

WAIKATO PROVINCE

19 June 2001 PR 87/2001

Haylage to Marlborough

Waikato Federated Farmers are working with the Marlborough Drought Relief Committee to arrange the purchase and transport of up to 3000 bales of haylage for fire and drought stricken Marlborough farmers.

Waikato based contractor, Murray Tipler is co-ordinating the transporting of bales from areas around the ports of Whangarei and Tauranga from where they will be transported by barge to Picton. The barge will depart from Whangarei on 16 July, stopping at Tauranga 18-20 July and Napier if required. Farmers in the Whangarei and Tauranga areas who have haylage for sale are asked to contact Murray Tipler on PH/FX 07 829 9797 to discuss purchase and collection.

"Almost 2000 bales have already been identified. All these bales have been held for more than 6 weeks and present little risk of spreading clover root weevil," said Marlborough Drought Relief Committee coordinator Chris Le Cren.

"The situation in Marlborough is still very serious. While 40mm of rain fell in the region on Saturday, this was the first significant fall since October. Much more is needed. Many farmers are still suffering the effects of the Boxing Day fires on top of the prolonged drought. We know of 56 farmers who urgently need supplementary feed now," said Mr Le Cren.

For more information Murray Tipler, PH 07 829 9797 Chris le Cren, PH 03 572 9696, or 025 372 093

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