The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) says soil moisture levels are so low the region is dry enough to be considered a drought zone again.
Figures from the Northland Regional Council show that, so far this year, 19.6mm of rain has fallen in Whangarei compared with the average of 220mm; in Dargaville 22.6mm has fallen compared with the 163mm average; 34mm in Kaikohe (222mm); 46mm in Kerikeri (121mm), and 16mm in Kaitaia (174mm).
Ms Jonker said there were still "patchy areas" which weren't as badly off as others in the region, but farms in Dargaville, Warkworth and the Far North were already suffering from severe soil moisture deficit.
Strong winds were further decreasing soil moisture levels with no rain predicted until the end of the month.
Niwa's assessment of the conditions, along with information from the trust, would combine to help the Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, decide whether to declare a drought event. It is likely he would visit the region before making the final decision.
This would bring support in the form of grants and assistance packages for farmers.
Agriculture facilitators are the first of frontline assistance - a free service which helps farmers to arrange emergency benefits, counselling if needed, even working with banks, accountants and farm advisers during the difficult period.
-APN