Dry conditions can be the most complex to manage. Creeping changes with no certainty on when the rain might come can make planning and decision making difficult. A quote often heard is an imperfect decision early is better than a good decision too late.
Information and planning is critical and the Taranaki Rural Support team worked with rural professionals in their region to develop a series of videos to help guide farmers through preparing for dry conditions, management through the dry period and the recovery when the rain finally comes.
A key focus when experiencing dry conditions is animal health and welfare but it is also just as important to consider the farm team and supporting each other through what can be a very stressful and uncertain time. This video series will take you through all the steps to consider as you work your way through dry conditions. And whilst there is a strong dairy emphasis, there is messaging relevant to all farmers. So make sure you don’t miss episode 6 with Marcia Paurini from Taranaki Rural Support Trust.
A special acknowledgement to the supporters and contributors to the series – Ministry for Primary Industries, Taranaki Rural Support Trust, DairyNZ, Taranaki Veterinary Centre, Barenbrug, Taranaki Regional Council, Sarah Payne Farm Consultancy and Fonterra.
You can find the full video series here
Chapter 1 – Drought prediction tools and summer management plans
Fiona Jansma, Taranaki Regional Council and Talissa Squire, DairyNZ
Chapter 2 – Summer cropping
Bruce Paterson, Barenbrug
Chapter 3 – Animal welfare and feed budgeting
Stephen Hopkinson, Taranaki Veterinary Centre and Talissa Squire, DairyNZ
Chapter 4 – Management options
Sarah Burton, Sarah Payne Farm Consultancy
Chapter 5 – When the rain arrives
Sarah Burton, Sarah Payne Farm Consultancy and Bruce Paterson, Barenbrug
Chapter 6 – People and wellbeing
Marcia Paurini, Taranaki Rural Support Trust
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