Northland farmers, their employees, farm suppliers and service providers are all facing economic challenges this season.
The region's DairyNZ team says clear and timely communication plus maintaining strong relationships will be important factors to getting through the tough period, which began to bite hard after Fonterra last month reduced its forecast milk price from $5.25 to $3.85kgMS.
In the DairyNZ "Northland Update" report for September, regional leader Chris Neill says dairy farmers who think they or others may need external help but are unsure about who to call can start by contacting him on 0274 999 021 or one of its consulting officers (Whangarei West Corey Thorn on 027 886 0221, Far North Kylie Harnett on 027 838 5868, Lower Northland Mark Forsyth on 021 242 5719 or trainee Graeme Peter on 027 807 9686).
The report covers events to help farmers this season, beginning with a DairyNZ Pasture Plus group meeting at North-Ash farms, 353 Wallace Rd, Ruawai, SN 14311, from 10.30am-1.30pm today.
For more information on how to get more milk in the vat for less through the skills and confidence you can gain through discussing pasture management, contact Mr Peter.