Farmers step up after Cyclone Gabrielle mayhem

PROGRESS FOR MOST: AgFirst Consultant Peter Andrew believes most farmers in the region have made some good progress as they work to put their farms back together again after Cyclone Gabrielle. File picture

Most farmers in the region have been able to take some good solid steps in their recovery from the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle, said Gisborne AgFirst consultant Peter Andrew.

“The weather has, and will continue to be, a huge influence on how much progress is achieved before winter,” he said.

“Getting stock-proof boundaries and then paddocks is the first major job.

“This has to be temporary as the soil conditions don’t really allow a more permanent fix, with the waratahs and netting being the weapon of choice for this first response.”

Mr Andrew said the variability of the impact between farms was huge.

“The recovery on some farms would take a few days but for other farmers the recovery work will still be there in five to seven years.

“That is the cruelty of life sometimes, whether you are in town or up in the hills.

“We need to be really aware that for some this is going to be a very long winter,” he said.

“Luckily the community spirit and the network are still really strong out in the hills and this was clearly evident in Gabrielle. There is nothing more powerful for a team than — ‘we have got your back’.”