Milk collection in doubt after earthquakes

Thirty farms in the Kaikoura area might not have their milk collected due to road closures. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Some dairy farmers in the northern South Island might have to dispose of their milk due to road closures and other issues.

Fonterra's focus was on making sure it could contact and support as many of its farmers in affected areas as possible, Farm Source chief operating officer Miles Hurrell said.

Some farms that remained without power, or those that could not be reached by tanker due to road closures, might need to dispose of their milk.

Road conditions in Kaikoura meant there were about 30 farms in the area that might not have their milk collected, while others around the country might have late collections as tankers are rerouted.

There was no major damage to any of Fonterra's manufacturing sites. This year, Fonterra closed its cheese factory in Kaikoura.

Dairy processing company Synlait Milk said it was working with suppliers in the affected areas of North Canterbury to manage any disruptions, which were not expected to be significant.