Southland/South Otago are currently experiencing challenging times due to high rainfall

As you are aware the Southland/South Otago regions have recently experienced un-seasonally high rainfall totals, often over very short periods of time.

This has occurred at a difficult time as many of you are trying to get regrassing finished, crops planted and effluent pond levels down.

The following DairyNZ email contains links to resources and information that maybe useful to those that are currently experiencing saturated soils and flooding.

A large amount of helpful flood information can be found by clicking HERE  

If you are concerned regarding your current on farm situation please contact your local Consulting Officer by clicking HERE    or contact Ronda Ridsdale at ronda.ridsdale@dairynz.co.nz or phone 03 218 2274

Flood response information:

Grazing management

• It is important to minimise pugging, which can be achieved using on/off grazing, back fencing, altered mob sizes etc. For wet weather grazing strategies Click HERE 

Managing crops:

• Wait until the water has receded then assess the crop. How long was the crop under water? Was the flood water stationary or flowing at speed creating soil and crop disturbance? Assess how many plants remain to determine whether a re-drill is required.
• Once conditions improve avoid taking short cuts. Ensure crop nutrient requirements are met, eliminate weeds for optimal growth and maximum light interception by the crop.
• If you have any doubts or concerns get in touch with your local Agronomist/Technical field rep to discuss ‘where to from here’ for managing existing crops and making a plan for late planted crops. Crop type may need to be changed if sowing date is going to be too late to achieve good yields.

Effluent ponds:

• If you are concerned your effluent pond may overflow, please contact Environment Southland or the Otago Regional Council to discuss possible solutions.
• Review the following points and visit ‘full effluent advice’ Click HERE for more information: 
• Understanding soil moisture deficit and how and where you can irrigate
• Understand your consent conditions relating to effluent application
• Reduce water entering into your effluent system
• If soil conditions allow consider alternative options to drop the pond level faster e.g. use a contractor with a slurry tanker or umbilical system
• If necessary have excess effluent removed from your pond and property

People:

• You need to look after yourself and your team over this stressful time. For more detailed information and options you can visit by clicking HERE
• Prioritise what needs doing and by who (how are you doing this?). Urgent vs. important.
• Write down a checklist of actions that are required and formulate a plan of attack
• Check in with staff and their families
• Check in with neighbours when you can

The Rural Support Trust is always available. Click HERE  at or pH 0800 787 254

Other useful links:

• What should I do if my wrapped baleage or silage stack got flooded? Click HERE