Drought conditions across several regions means that pasture covers, stock condition and feed supplements are below average for this time of year. If you haven't started feed planning now, you need to. This includes assessing what additional feed you will need to meet any feed deficits in the coming months.

Pasture covers are variable across the region. There is some good news with supplies of PKE. Two shipments arrived in the past few days and while much of this has been pre-ordered, there is still some PKE available for spot price orders.

We encourage stock owners who believe they will need supplementary feed to order their supplies with feed merchants as soon as possible. Bear in mind that some feeds, for example PKE, take 10-12 weeks to arrive after ordering. Suppliers may be able to advise on a range or mix of products to ensure your stock receive the best possible nutrition in these difficult times.

Free feed planning advice

For help in planning feed, we recommend farmers talk to their farm consultant or make use of the recently-launched feed budgeting service though DairyNZ and Beef+Lamb New Zealand.

We are receiving very good feedback from those farmers who have used the service and are finding it very helpful. https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/40082-getting-support-with-your-feed-planning-pdf