Field Day Offer To Flooded Farmers

Monday, 23 February 2004, 5:29 pm
Press Release: Federated Farmers

23 February 2004 PR 43/04

South Island farmers wanting to donate livestock to help rebuild flocks and herds reduced by the lower North Island floods can register an expression of interest at the South Island field days this week, said southern provincial presidents of Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc).

Federated Farmers will be operating a livestock donation register at its stand for the duration of the field days at Waimumu, near Gore, on Wednesday and Thursday (February 25-26).

"We are asking farmers to consider donating animals as a goodwill gesture that will assist our northern counterparts in this time of crisis," said Don Nicolson, Southland provincial president. "This will help restock their herds and flocks more rapidly than would otherwise be possible."

The field day site of Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd will also be taking registrations, said Otago president Mike Elliot.

"South Island farmers know all about the difficulties of farming under extreme weather conditions and so will feel sympathy for those hit by these devastating floods," Mr Elliot said.

The presidents said the offer of stock would be followed through after the absolute needs of the flood-affected farmers were known.

Mr Nicolson said there would also be an opportunity for farmers to donate cash or a cheque to the Federation's Adverse Events Trust.

Ends

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