A second weekend of rain in Marlborough has improved the outlook for farmers but put another hold on the grape harvest, with some of the chardonnay crop in particular declining in quality.
Federated Farmers president David Dillon said the rain, which consolidated similar rainfall levels the previous weekend, had thickened pastures
up and they were "bouncing back".
Clover was growing in substantial amounts for the first time in a year, creeks were running again and the hills were turning green, he said.
However, vineyards are on hold until grapes dry out. Marlborough Grapegrowers Association president Stuart Smith said the cold weather had reduced the risk of botrytis, a fungal infection that thrives in wet, warm weather. But some of the chardonnay in particular was starting to get a "little second-hand now".
