Flood Relief Update

Flood Relief Update

There has been an abundance of offers to take cows from flood-affected farms in the Bay of Plenty and no more are required, said Catherine Bull, Bay of Plenty Chair of Dairy Farmers of New Zealand (DFNZ).

Miss Bull said that 2700 in-calf and milking cows had been moved from flooded farms since Monday, mostly to districts outside eastern Bay of Plenty.

"The response has been extremely generous given that farmers must also meet the needs of their own stock," she said.

"We are still matching up cows needing grazing and offers to take them, but it is clear that no more offers are required. In addition to the offers taken up, we have a further 200 offers to take between 10 and 200 cows.

"However, more supplementary feed is required. Any feed that is economic to transport to the eastern Bay of Plenty would be greatly appreciated," said Miss Bull.

Miss Bull met Associate Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor today. During the meeting they discussed the most effective ways the government could help in the flood response.

"Federated Farmers, other organisations and individuals have been quick of the mark to help flood victims. The government showed earlier this year that it could help deal with adverse events, and farmers look forward to its response to the environmental impact of the floods."

Relief effort will go on for months rather than weeks. "Farmers face significant costs in cleaning up the mess and restoring pastures, with reduced incomes in the next few months.

"I encourage people to contribute to the federation's Adverse Events Trust," she said. Donations to the trust can be made at any National Bank.

Federated Farmers has a freephone line (0800 FFLOOD or 0800 335 663) for farmers seeking help, and an email address (flooding@fedfarm.org.nz) for farmers and others offering assistance.

DFNZ is an industry group within Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc).

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