13 January 2012

Southern farmers at last ‘singing in the rain’

With upwards of 35 millimetres of rain recorded on one farm in the last 24 hours, Federated Farmers is optimistic that immediate drought-like pressure may ease.

“Can we thank the MetService’s Daniel Corbett for telling us yesterday that a rainy Friday was on the cards,” says David Rose, Federated Farmers Adverse Events Spokesperson.

“If there is a meteorological hole in one then he’s landed himself an ace.

“On my farm I’ve now recorded 35 millimetres of rain and it is coming down in the best possible way, slow and steady. It’s been so long that I’d almost forgotten what rain looked like and it is a beautiful sight. I’ve never been so happy to be as wet as I am right now.

“This rain will save our winter feed crops that were under severe stress. It will also get others to germinate so we may just be able to salvage something of this season yet.

“While that’s the picture on my farm, others I know have recorded less rain. I can tell you the clouds are wonderfully black right now and the current front seems to be widespread. I have my fingers crossed that it will be a good dump.

“I’ll be talking to our provincial leaders to get a better picture of just how widespread this rain is. I am also mindful of a MetService warning that late January into February could be hot and dry.

“While this rain may not have us fully out of the clutches of drought, it is a great start and we’ll take it,” Mr Rose concluded.

For MetService Rural weather, please click here.

ENDS

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