Southland's current low groundwater and river levels, high temperatures and the fallout from COVID-19 are combining to hit farmers hard.

“It’s shaping up to be the perfect storm,” says Cathie Cotter, chair of the Southland Rural Support Trust (SRST).

“The ability for farmers to manage the current dry conditions is being seriously hampered by staff shortages created by community COVID-19 in both the rural servicing industry and the processing companies."

"Pasture growth and pasture covers are well below average levels and many farmers are already digging into their winter feed supplies to keep stock fed while we wait for the rain,” she said.

SRST is also concerned that decreasing river levels will mean many water consents have or are close to reaching their cut off limits.

“We are running out of growing time before winter,” said Cotter.

SRST and industry groups have been meeting weekly since February 2022 to monitor effects of both COVID-19 and the continued lack of rainfall.

They are also holding a series of free Coffee on Us events in a selection of the worst affected dry areas from Wyndham to Western Southland and Te Anau over the next two weeks to enable farmers to get off farm, socialise, and share their concerns with others.

Southland's catchment groups are also planning social events in the worst affected areas.

For more details on the Coffee on Us events, go to Southland Rural Support Trust facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/SouthlandRST or the Rural Support Trust website www.rural-support.org.nz

Farmers struggling to cope with these challenges are encouraged to contact the SRST on 0800 787 254 (RURAL HELP) or email [email protected]