Livestock Could Cause Chaos On Queens Birthday

Livestock Could Cause Chaos On Queens Birthday Weekend Roads

Driving on country roads over Queens Birthday Weekend? Shifting farms on June 1st? Better prepare carefully!

Settlement day for sharemilkers and farmers will be chaotic this year unless they get themselves very well organised, warns rural finance consultant Don Fraser.

June 1st is the usual day that stock owners officially shift their herds onto a new property, but Fraser points out that this year it falls on a Saturday.

Not only that, it is the first day of Queens Birthday weekend, and solicitors and businesses will not be open until Tuesday 4th.

"Many settlements will need to happen on the Friday 31st May so that transactions can be completed before the weekend, but unless everybody is working towards the same date it will be chaos," says Fraser.

"Sharemilkers and farmers must talk to their solicitors, livestock agents and cartage contractors and make sure everything is co-ordinated."

Queens Birthday weekend traffic is always heavy, says Fraser, and anyone droving herds will need to take great care, and will require a permit.

He also points out that cattle will need the right ear tags to comply with the Animal Health Board requirements. Cattle of all ages require a primary and secondary tag. Firm arrangements for shifting household goods should also be in place, he says.

On arrival at the new property sharemilkers and new owners should check that the agreed amount of feed is available, the condition of the milking shed is up to scratch, and that water easements and effluent disposal rights are in place. If anything is amiss, they should contact advisers or consultants immediately.

"There are so many things to think about at the time of the shift that careful planning and checking is absolutely essential", says Fraser.

For further information and comment, contact Don Fraser on 07 863 4885 or 025 951 170

(Don Fraser is a consultant to the rural sector and principal of Fraser Farm Finance Ltd. Email: enquire@fraserfinance.co.nz www.fraserfinance.co.nz )

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