Farmers rally after Christchurch earthquake

Highfield Rd, 15km east of Darfield, was ripped up and lifted by the earthquake. Photo / Mark Mitchell

We're back out in heartland Canterbury near the epicentre where the farmers have been rallying around each other.

The fault runs right through Roger and Jane Mannering's farm. The quake has left them with no power to milk 1000 cows and a huge new hump in the drive for the Fonterra tanker to navigate.

The 10 or so farm workers and Roger were milking until 1.30am this morning using a hired generator they are sharing with the neighbours.

Jane spent the morning at her friends Mike and Helen Fransham's cooking up a couple of big pots of macaroni cheese and spaghetti bolognese.

We caught up with Mike and Helen as they were delivering the pots and and one of Helen's special chocolate and banana cakes. Jane is grateful for the support and offers of support but she said there's not much anyone can do about it.

We've just bumped into the agriculture minister David Carter and Amy Adams, the local MP, calling in on farms.

Next: We're off to find a badly-damaged church.