Of particular note is the dry conditions through Northland and Hawke’s Bay. Neither region has received any significant rain for at least two months, which, when coupled with brisk and dry winds, has browned off pastures and slowed growth.
The AgriHQ Pasture Growth Index (PGI), a measure of potential pasture growth around New Zealand based on temperature, rain and sunlight hours, illustrated just how dire the situation is. Average PGI values for these regions, along with Auckland, were back 44-55% on their 10-year averages.
AgriHQ
Stocking rates in those areas are up on last year, given a year ago many were preparing for an El Nino, so this dry has the potential to cause more disruption to onfarm operations as well as slaughter and store markets.
Other parts of the North Island are still faring reasonably well. Consistent rain and a lack of any intense summer temperatures have kept the grass green through the central and western North Island.
December PGI values for Manawatu and Waikato were down on average levels but the overflow of grass from the exceptional spring through 2016 means there is little pressure on farms just yet. Lower sunlight hours have affected the quality of the pasture.
Through the South Island, nearly all regions are sitting in a much better position than in recent years. Summer for the majority so far has been mild, acting to keep pastures green and growing. North Canterbury farms have slowly but surely moved out of their drought but, given a similar situation emerged this time a year ago, many are still cautious.
The cooler summer has had the opposite affect in Southland. Rain, warmth and sunlight have all tracked below normal in recent weeks and pressure is slowly mounting on paddock covers as a result.
Average PGI values for all South Island regions, with the exception of Southland, were above their respective five-year averages.
