Croppers OK with the week of rain

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

The district's croppers will be watching the weather closely over the next week, with rain predicted on every one of the next seven days, according to forecasters.

Most will welcome the rain, though they hope for not too much.

As predicted, the rain yesterday morning eased off but more has been forecast for today with the cold southerly.

Tomorrow it is forecast to be cloudy with a few showers, rain at times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, then more significant rain on Monday.

Cedenco is into the second week of its sweetcorn harvest.

“At this stage we think it should be OK,” said general manager Carla McCulloch.

“We don't think there will be enough of it to stop our harvest.

“Damp weather does cause some access issues but if the rain stays light we'll be all right . . . and it will be a welcome boost of moisture for the crops.”

Coxco started its squash harvest a week ago.

“We're happy with the rain. We've had a good start to the season and the rain will definitely help to set up the later-season crops,” said managing director Omi Badsar.

“As long as we don't get a big dump we'll be fine. Scattered rain over seven days is welcome from our point of view.”

Mr Badsar said the Coxco squash crop looked very good.

“We're happy with the results we are getting so far.”

Maize growers have also welcomed the forecast rain.

“Some rain this week will be quite nice,” said Glencore Grain regional manager Dave Corrin.

“We're not desperate for it but it's going to be welcome. Hopefully we get some warmth on the back of it.”

The company's maize crop was “looking good”, he said.

Gisborne Wine Growers chairwoman Annie Millton said the forecast rain was not likely to bother grape growers too much at this stage.

“It has been quite light so far and it has been good to get the moisture from that light rain into the ground. It's OK at this stage.

“After it clears there may be some pressure from powdery mildew but that's the unknown at this stage.”

Mrs Millton said from now into the start of harvest, which for most growers will be some time in February, would be the crucial time for the success of the vintage.