Farmer workshop in Omarama focuses on coping with dry autumn conditions
Farmers and rural professionals in the Mackenzie Basin came together to talk through strategies for dealing with the challenges of extreme weather in Omarama in April.
The ‘Strategies for Dealing with the Dry’ lunch and workshop, held on 9 April, was a collaboration between the Upper Waitaki Water Zone Committee, the Ahuriri Catchment Collective Group, the Rural Support Trust and us.
The workshop aimed to provide an opportunity for local farmers and their teams to get off the farm for a few hours and have a refresher on concepts that could help them navigate through the remainder of the autumn and winter months with advice from Peter Young, a farm advisor from Central Otago, and Mark Adams, Chair of the South Canterbury Rural Support Trust.
Co-organiser Jess Hishon-Knowles said about 30 people came to the get-together at the Omarama Community Hall.
BBQ lunch at the event
“It was a great turn-out considering the weather warnings coming in and the exceptionally high workload farmers are faced with at this busy time, " said Jess.
Dry conditions during autumn in the Mackenzie Basin
Although the area has had some long-awaited rain since the workshop, the dry conditions of this autumn in the Mackenzie area are expected to have an impact right through to spring.
“Farmers in this area are used to navigate conditions that are on the more extreme end of the spectrum, the extent of this prolonged-dry has caused a significant impact on the land and businesses. It’s important to recognise that it is tough going and at this point, it's the people power that needs to be recharged.”
Learning from Central Otago experience
Peter Young, who spent several decades farming next to the Ida Burn Dam in Central Otago, discussed a range of strategies with the group including the importance of working through the fundamental basics, in order to come out the other side in spring in reasonable shape.
He said paying close attention to the farm financial budget, winter feed budget, measuring pasture, crops and stock condition is integral.
“It’s important to keep the damage to one year, with the goal of bouncing back next year.
“Keeping up the conversations with all involved in the farm team: family, staff, bank manager, accountant, and stock agents, was all important.
Speakers Peter Young (left) and Mark Adams (right)
“It’s all about having as much information on hand to help inform your management decisions.”
Peter added that dealing with drought conditions can also provide an opportunity to have a good review of your farm system.
“If you feel like you have no influence and are leaving things to good luck, it’s a good time to review your farming system. If you’re having a big annual variation, there’s probably things you can improve.”
Support for farming families
Mark Adams, who is also a farmer from Fairlie, spoke about the challenges for farming families during adverse weather events like droughts.
“When times are challenging and stress levels are on the higher end of the scale, we can be tough on those closest to us. It’s very important to take a breath and just go easy on each other. Try and get off farm, even for a drive, taking a moment to gather yourself and put your physical and mental health first.”
Mark also encouraged people to think about who was on their ‘team’ and plug into local collective knowledge.
“We aren’t wired to be independent, and we work better cooperatively – you might need to reconfigure your team to include more people, or those that think differently to you.”
Mark also outlined the help on hand from the Rural Support Trust and was joined by both South Canterbury and Otago representatives, Jilly Haywood and Lindsay Purvis, to talk with farmers and the rural professionals during and after the event.
Peter Greenslade, local agent for Silver Fern Farms, generously brought the protein to the BBQ hot plate and ensured it was cooked to perfection for lunch. The local Blue Cross Veterinary Centre team kindly supplied the BBQ.
More rural workshops being planned
Upper Waitaki Water Zone Committee member, Cr Scott Aronsen, from Mackenzie District Council, said the committee was pleased to be able to support the local farming community during these very dry conditions, and more generally as well.
“We’re keen to run more events throughout the year in conjunction with catchment groups and the community, and welcome ideas for future topics.”