Up 30 staff from rural servicing companies will replicate the support structure used in Southland, which in two days this week delivered about 800 food baskets and canvassed farmers on their needs.
Federated Farmers field officer Ken Algie, who is organising the effort, said volunteers would head to Clinton, Owaka and up the coast to Toko Mouth, Akatore and Tuapeka, but that catchment could change as more data on the extent of last week's devastating storms is collected.
He said horror stories of the extent of losses were starting to emerge, including one farmer who lost 2000 lambs worth $160,000 and another who collected 700 dead lambs on Monday after finally getting access over his farm.
"The big problem will be in January and February when they don't get the cheques."
Mr Algie said stock firms had put rivalry aside and banded together.
"The rural trade has all got together. It's not about brands; it's about giving these people a hand."
Otago Rural Support Trust chairman David Shepherd said the disaster would have prolonged effects.
"The ramifications of this are going to be felt for several years. People have got to rebuild flocks and get through the distress of the financial impact and get their lives back on track."
Southland Federated Farmers president Rod Pemberton said volunteers extended the area visited yesterday to include Hokonui, Waimumu, east of Invercargill towards Mataura and on the coast from Riverton to Tuatapere.
Farmer reaction to the food parcels has varied from tears to stoic rejection and the suggestion they give it to someone worse off.
"It's been quite humbling," he said.
Southland Rural Support Trust chairman Lindsay Wright said responses from farmers were still being collated, but an initial look revealed the storm affected people differently.
Some farmers needed practical farm help, but others had developed health issues from the stress of dealing with the storm.
Mr Wright said support agencies were prioritising help to deal with farmers with personal and health problems first, then feed requirements for stock and finally financial implications.
A storm-recovery team of farm consultants and professionals has been formed to help individual farmers plan for the future.
Meanwhile, Rabobank and the National Bank have announced a range of measures to help their farmer clients.
