Relief as hay bales come in from south

Truck driver Darren Cathie, left, asks Tangiteroria dairy farmer Dan Porter where to unload donated hay transported from Taranaki for flood-hit Northland farmers. Photo/John Stone

A load of donated hay from Taranaki delivered to two flood-hit Tangiteroria dairy farms yesterday was warmly welcomed.

The 38 big bales were divided between Guy and Nan Hooper's 93ha farm milking 170 cows and Dan and Jacqui Porter's 100ha property milking 200 cows which are within sight of each other on opposite sides of the Northern Wairoa River.

Both couples said how much they appreciated the donated hay. They desperately needed to feed supplements to their cows as their river flats, inundated by flood waters, are in sorry shape and calving, which has started on the Porters' farm, is poised to begin next week for the Hooper's herd.

Dan Porter summed it up for both couples when he expressed his gratitude about the level of support flood-hit Northland farmers were receiving.

"Even a team from the ASB Bank are coming out to give us a hand clearing rubbish from flooded fences," he said.

Northland Rural Support Trust co-ordinator Julie Jonkers said two truckloads of donated hay had arrived from Taranaki yesterday and three truckloads, which came north from the eastern Bay of Plenty, had been allocated to Hikurangi Swamp farmers.

"The trust is trying to organise the delivery of about 15 other truckloads of feed southern farmers have donated," she said.

Other feed made available for purchase by farmers at Kerikeri and in the south was also appreciated as everything helped relieve pressure on flood-affected farmers struggling to cope with sodden pastures and hungry stock.

"Despite Northland farmers being a resilient and self-reliant lot, they have been truly tested this year. "They have gone from drought to flood in some areas," Ms Jonkers said.

Farmers from Kaitaia, Moerewa, Kaeo, Hikurangi, Tangiteroria, Mangakahia, Kaihu, Mamaranui and Maungaturoto had all been affected by flooding to varying degrees.

The Rural Support Trust is encouraging farmers and growers to register for help with cleaning up after the storm. The number to call is 0800 787 254.