The storm on October 29 as seen from the Bluff Hill lookout. Photo / Diane Draper
Some Hawke's Bay orchardists are set to take a hit in the export market after a thunderstorm dropped hail on apple trees near Napier.
Yummy Fruit Company general manager Paul Paynter said hail on October29 had hit at exactly the wrong time for his orchards in Meeanee and Bay View. He was philosophical about the potential losses.
"Every year we get a 'five per cent event', and we are aware that a lot of things can go wrong.
"It's possible that we won't be able to export half a million boxes of apples."
The rain was also a godsend for Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay president Jim Galloway.
About 30 to 50mm of rain fell across some farms in Hawke's Bay on Friday, he said.
"It was really good to get the rain because it was starting to dry out. The recent rain means cropping farmers and arable farmers won't have to irrigate for at least another week."
According to MetService, periods of rain are also forecast for the region from Tuesday to Sunday.
"Rain would be brilliant for a lot of crops which have been planted including peas and sweetcorn," Galloway said.
"Rain typically is good for pasture, and the rain forecast will give it another boost. Hopefully, it will provide enough for extra feed for summer and winter."