Recent rain is unlikely to be enough to break Otago's drought. Farmers are still feeling the pressure of the extreme January heat as low water stocks start to take their toll.
Federated Farmers Otago president Phill Hunt, of Wanaka, said farmers were still facing what some were describing as the
worst dry spell in decades. The stock water supplies farmers relied on in a typical year were not available or sufficient this year, he said.
"Farmers are understandably concerned about the wellbeing of their stock and are de-stocking where needed."
Farmers needed to plan accordingly and could just wait and hope for more rain to fall, Mr Hunt said. Environmental responsibilities also needed to be considered when farmers were accessing additional stock water supplies, he said.
As a proactive measure, the Otago Regional Council will co-ordinate regular inter-agency meetings during the coming months.
