Crikey again. The rain gods have delivered again, big time. The Taonui and Tuhirangi rivers recently received 500+mm rainfall in the headwaters of the Aorangi ranges.
Properties in the floods path were devastated with wood debris, silt, erosion ,fences, culverts, bridges, pastures and crops severely damaged. The south coast was cut off for four days isolating about a hundred people. Some stock losses have been reported. On our property in the Whakatomo about 50ha of our 150ha river flats was flooded with about 30ha severely damaged. This was a mini Gabrielle event again?
You certainly learn in farming to be resilient to events or incidences for the long haul. And once again the community support is amazing. For example, a certain well known farmer, with a large cropping operation, offered me nearly 1 ton of grass seed for resowing damaged pastures, so appreciated.
Sarah Donaldson, rural support trust put in a huge effort for many days to engage people and help with organising support, so lots of thanks to her and all others involved.
Over 180 people enjoyed a get together at the Pirinoa Hall last Friday 20th Feb, really wonderful!
On top of this, my dear sharemilking daughter and partner are getting married this week at Ngawi. What a week. The show must go on of course.
It’s not all negative however. The summer has been great for grass growth, feed crops, silage and hay. So the cows are milking well. And the predicted milk price has risen nearly 10% to $9.50 per kg milk solid.
The summer has been great for grass growth, feed crops, silage and hay. So the cows are milking well. And the predicted milk price has risen nearly 10% to $9.50 per kg milk solid.
Like many areas of NZ we will be looking at our own resilience to these weather events, and how communities, councils and governments can contribute to hopefully minimise the effects.
Not much other news from your rural scene, kia kaha!
