Feed Surplus Option for South Island

Feed Surplus Option for South Island

A bumper season with plenty of surplus feed, in the Manawatu and Rangitikei regions provides an opportunity for farmers in dry areas of the South Island, says Shelley Dew-Hopkins, President, Manawatu/Rangitikei Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc)

“There is concern that the current feed surplus may be wasted, and so I encourage farmers in dry areas to consider the Manawatu/Rangitikei region as a possible source of livestock feed.

“The extremely dry and hot conditions prevailing in many parts of the South Island means usual sources of supplementary feed may not be available to provide hay and straw for winter feed.

“While long distance transport costs are significant, particularly for inter-island freight, the surplus of feed in Manawatu/Rangitikei has created a window of opportunity to backload hay on livestock trucks returning south. Currently livestock are being sent to the Manawatu/Rangitikei regions for sale and grazing.

“Farmers considering purchasing supplementary feed for use now and in the winter are urged to plan early and consider the Manawatu/Rangitikei region as a source of feed”, Ms Dew-Hopkins concluded.

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