There is no immediate sign the drought will break soon - despite rain over the past days.
MetService predicts, with the exception of the odd shower, the dry weather will continue for the next two weeks. Daily rainfall of between zero and 14mm has fallen in parts of Northland in the past 10 days, but it is nowhere near enough to ease the drought conditions, which are the worst in 60 years.
Feed wise, there is some good news for struggling Northland farmers. Ravensdown expects a delivery of palm kernel expeller (PKE) on April 12 and this will be available under contract. RD1 also expects deliveries in May.
Northland Rural Support Trust spokeswoman Julie Jonker said it appeared there were shiploads of palm kernel available, but unloading had been delayed by a shortage of available trucks.
Rolled barley meal is available as is biscuit meal, but at almost double the cost of PKE.
Northland Federated Farmers is looking into the nutritional value comparison of the alternatives and gauging demand before organising transport.
Farmers needing assistance can ring Northland Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 for help.
