High country farmers met rural professionals at a Strategies for Dealing with the Dry workshop in Omarama earlier this month. The event was run by the Upper Waitaki Water Zone Committee, Rural Support Trust, Ahuriri Catchment Collective Group and Environment Canterbury (ECan).
A refresher on steps that could help them work their way through the remainder of the autumn and winter months was provided with advice by Central Otago farm adviser Peter Young and South Canterbury Rural Support Trust chairman Mark Adams.
Co-organiser Jess Hishon-Knowles, from ECan, said the 30-odd people attending the workshop was a great turnout considering weather warnings and the "exceptionally" high workload farmers faced at this busy time.
"Although farmers in this area are used to navigating conditions that are on the more extreme end of the spectrum, the extent of this prolonged-dry has caused a significant impact on the land and businesses. It’s important to recognise that it is tough going and at this point it’s the people power that really needs to be recharged."
Mr Young discussed a range of strategies with the group including the importance of working through the basics, in order to come out the other side in spring in reasonable shape.
He farmed for several decades next to the Ida Burn Dam in Central Otago.
Paying close attention to farm financial and winter feed budgets and measuring pasture, crops and stock condition was integral, he said.
"It’s important to keep the damage to one year, with the goal of bouncing back next year."
Keeping up conversations with members of their farm team such as family, staff, bank managers, accountants and stock agents was also important.
He said dealing with drought conditions could also provide an opportunity to have a good review of their farm systems.
"If you feel like you have no influence and are leaving things to good luck, it’s a good time to review your farming system. If you’re having a big annual variation, there’s probably things you can improve."
Mr Adams said there were many challenges for farming families during adverse weather events such as droughts.
"When times are challenging and stress levels are on the higher end of the spectrum, we can be tough on those closest to us. It’s very important to take a breath and just go easy on each other. Try and get off farm, even for a drive, taking a moment to gather yourself and put your physical and mental health first."
The Fairlie farmer also encouraged farmers to plug into local collective knowledge.
"We aren’t wired to be independent, and we work better co-operatively — you might need to reconfigure your team to include more people, or those that think differently to you."
He said help was on hand with Rural Support Trust South Canterbury and Otago representatives, Jilly Haywood and Lindsay Purvis, free to talk with farmers and rural professionals during and after the event.
Upper Waitaki Water Zone committee member, Mackenzie District Council councillor Scott Aronsen said the committee was there to support the local farming community during the dry conditions.
