Drought Shout at Tui Brewery Brings Deluge of Support

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Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Drought Shout at Tui Brewery Brings Deluge of Support From Businesses

Organisers of next month’s Drought Shout at Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka are overwhelmed with generous offers of cash and in-kind by regional and national agri-businesses.

The event, to be held at Tui Brewery on Thursday, April 11th for farmers affected by the drought, has already raised $65,000 in one week while an additional $16,000 worth of in-kind support has been gifted.

Sam Orsborn, a director at agricultural consultancy Baker & Associates and one of the event’s organisers, says he has been genuinely overwhelmed with the support received to date.

“As soon as we announced the Drought Shout last week, it brought a deluge of support from local, regional and national businesses – many pledging their support financially while others are donating silage, stock feed and agricultural products,” he says. “We’re overwhelmed but not surprised as it reinforces how our business community is all in this battle together.”

“To date we’ve raised $65,000 towards the event and any monies remaining will go the Federated Farmer’s Drought Relief Fund.”

April’s Drought Shout is the brain child of business leaders from Tui Brewery, PGG Wrightsons and Baker & Associates. They have already been supported by local, regional and national businesses including Sharpes Stockfeed, AllFlex, Westpac, BNZ, ANZ, Rabo Bank, Sellar & Sellar, Vodafone, Motunui Romney, Breadcraft, MacDougalls, Tranzit Coachlines, RD1, Elders Ltd, Seales Winslow, Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Southey Sayer, Farman Turkington Forestry Ltd, Farmlands, WoodNet, FMG, ASB, John Griffith Livestock Ltd, Gallagher and LIC in raising over $65,000 to cover the costs of the day.

In addition truck-loads of silage have been donated from Allflex, stock feed has been donated from Sharpes Stockfeed, and products donated from Gallaghers, ANZCO and Swandri NZ Ltd.

“Many of these businesses have been looking in ways in which to support the farmers and see the Drought Shout as a great initiative,” says Nick Rogers of Tui Brewery. “The farmers have told us how relieved they are to hear the industry cares and that they are willing to support them.”

Wairarapa sheep and beef farmer Rob Dick agrees.

Mr Dick farms a 300 hectare property near Gladstone and says the drought is the worst he has experienced during his six years in the region.

“Compared to the drought in 2008, this one has been going on much longer. It started in spring meaning there was no spring growth and the hot summer has denied vital rain for stock drinking water and for supplementary feed crops,” he says. “Also geographically it affects a much larger region meaning farmers are now feeding stock with winter feeds and being forced to source supplementary feeds from the South Island. I don’t think the full effects of this drought will be felt until next year.”

Mr Dick says the drought has also seen his yields reduced for barley crops, while calf sales and lamb sales are also expected to take a hit. While he received 67mls of rain last week, he needed more to ensure good grass growth. He says the news of the Drought Shout came at a good time and was vital in helping keeping spirits up.

“I think it’s just awesome that all these businesses have supported the Drought Shout and reflects just how important the relationship between farmers and suppliers is – we need them as, much as they need us,” says Mr Dick. “The fact they’ve all jumped on board this great gesture is quite humbling.”

April’s initiative follows the successful Drought Shout held at Tui Brewery in 2008, which attracted a crowd of 2000 thirsty farmers, all of whom soaked up the goodwill extended by the sponsors.

The organisers are expecting similar numbers this year with transport being provided from various locations across the Wairarapa, Rangitikei, Manawatu, Wanganui and Hawke’s Bay. Farmers wanting to attend the Drought Shout can visit www.bakerag.co.nz for more information, including details of transport options and registrations.

If you’re a local business wanting to contribute to next month’s Drought Shout at the Tui Brewery, please also visit www.bakerag.co.nz for information on how you can contribute.

Key Details for the Drought Shout at Tui Brewery:

When: Thursday 11th April, 2013.

12noon – 5.30pm

Where: Tui Brewery: Mangatainoka

Who: For the farmers from around the country - who are affected by the dry and lack of rain

Why: Because you deserve a break, something to get you off the farm for the day and something apart from rain to look forward to!

What: Food and beer provided. Transport options available to and from Tui Brewery.

Details of this can be found on www.bakerag.co.nz

ENDS

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