By Michael Morrah
The polar blast has struck in the middle of the lambing and calving season for many South Island farmers and there are fears prolonged bad weather will lead to loss of stock.
But the saving grace for most has been a productive Autumn, which has allowed farmers to stockpile feed and be prepared.
Farmers in Methven and around inland Canterbury are being warned to prepare for at least another two days of cold weather and heavy snow.
Most farmers say they are coping, but it was a difficult morning for many as they headed out to check their stock. For some of the lambs born just two days ago, the cold snap overnight proved too much.
“It is very disheartening,” says Halkett sheep farmer Penny McKay.
“But it’s just one of those things that you have got to expect in these conditions. It just can’t be helped unfortunately.”
Ms McKay and her family were up early feeding around 650 lambs. Some needed extra encouragement to stay with the flock and under shelter.
She says she normally lambs around this time of year, but wasn’t anticipating such cold weather.
“They are predicting it to get heavier and a lot thicket and that is a real concern, especially with all the newborn lambs we have had in the last 48 hours.”
The price of lamb is currently at an all-time high, but with such a prolonged cold blast expected, the next 12 hours has the potential to inflict severe damage on farm incomes and the industry.
Dairy farmer Kevin Stone – who is in the middle of calving – spent the day getting young animals away from the elements.
“For these little fellas, the wind chill factor is the main issue. It doesn’t take them long to get crook.”
Mr Stone says fortunately, he has been well-prepared.
“We had a lot of warning, people are pretty well-organised,” he says.
“It’s been a good autumn and winter, so all the stock are in reasonable nick.”
There is plenty of feed in reserve. Mr Stone knows though that the next few days will keep he and other farmers busy.
The weather will certainly keep farmers on their toes, but fortunately lambing doesn’t get into full swing until September and in the High Country not until October or even November.
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