Wet winter brings a hard summer for Hawke's Bay farmers
Hawke’s Bay farmers are facing the consequences of prolonged winter and higher rainfall levels.
The wet conditions have made it difficult to farm this year, with many noting an increase in slips, wetter weather pushing back key events such as docking, and not enough sunshine to boost lamb growth.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Team Leader Marine Air and Land Science, Dr. Kathleen Kozyniak, says there was above-average rainfall for the month of November.
“It was approximately double the month’s average across the northern half of the region.”
With a monthly total of 209mm for the Kōpuwhara Stream which historically has only seen 96mm of rain for the month of November the effects are being noticed.
This is felt firsthand by Sheep and Beef farmer Craig Gower who farms the Kōpuawhara Stream in Mahia.
“It was good for the first six months, but once we hit winter it didn’t let up.”
This ongoing winter had an impact on both the growth and conditions of Gower’s lambs from when they were born right through until they are ready for slaughter.
“I’ve had the best lambing in my farming career, but the weather has affected their growth. Therefore I have had less profits on my first lamb pick, I’m hoping to make up for it with the crop I’ve grown to put heavier weight onto the lambs left on the farm.”
Yet even then this process hasn’t been made easy as it’s not just the farming industry that has been delayed by the weather but also the cropping industry as a break in the weather means everyone wants to do it at the same time.
Like many others, Gower is worried about the upcoming season, as it appears the market for store lambs is dropping because farmers are concerned about their margins.
“By the time you drench it and dag it, the margin between purchase and profit is a lot less.”
Farmer Tom Syme drafting lambs. Photo/Michaela Gower.
Gower isn’t the only one suffering. South of Mahia in Porangahau, Central Hawke’s Bay sheep and beef farmer Tom Syme is also suffering the consequences of the long winter.
“The last three months from July we had double the amount of rainfall we have had for the last three years.”
The wetter days have brought on a slew of problems placing strain on farmers as work that would usually be done in the months of October, and November has been pushed back.
“Normally I’ve weaned everything in early November and this year I’ve only started weaning in December,” Syme says.
According to Syme the rain has caused many delays and pushed back a lot of crucial chances for farmers to make money.
“By now I’ve killed 1600 lambs minimum, I’ve only killed 210 so far, and 200 ewes, when I’ve normally killed 800 ewes, so there hasn’t been a lot of money coming in.”
The lambs are not getting a chance to grow and everyone is being placed in the same situation when it comes to sending them to the works and finding space.
Symes says his profits have taken a hit as any money that has been made is going straight back in to cover expenses such as shearing, and buying fertiliser.
Hawke's Bay Federated Farmers President Jim Galloway says the weather has brought both good and bad for the farmers.
“Fly strike has become an issue on a lot of farms, and it's not because they [the lambs] have dags and they're dirty, it's an Australian fly that can lay an egg in the middle of the shoulders on their back,” Galloway says.
While the rain has been a bonus in the sense it has provided grass growth in December it is going to seed head which has lowered the energy levels and quality.
“It's like eating weetbix versus a nice three-course meal of steak and veges.”
MetService Meteorologist Angus Hines says that the Eastern North Island will remain one of the wetter parts of the country.
“La Nina conditions in the tropical Pacific persist and will continue to influence our weather maps.”
Hines says the remaining weeks of the year will likely bring cooler temperatures compared with last year.
“So far this year, there have been no days over 28C, and already a few days below 20C, so we are likely tracking to be cooler than last year.”
For Galloway, buying a Christmas roast lamb is one of the many ways in which kiwis can help farmers during this festive season.
