The government has today (4 Oct) announced up to $50,000 would be allocated to support farmers in Southland and Clutha following the area's challenging spring weather conditions - that have now been classified a medium-scale adverse event.

The announcement was made by Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson, and welcomed by both Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds and Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick.

“The relentless wet weather has been tough on farmers and animals across Southland and in Otago in an already challenging year," McClay said.

"Torrential rain over the past 24 hours has caused further flooding, exacerbating already sodden conditions, with parts of Southland receiving more than 200 per cent of average September rainfall.”

The Government would be working with sector groups and local Rural Support Trusts, using local co-ordinators to help organise recovery and wellbeing events.

“It’s important we help farmers and growers who have shown great resilience through these weather events, by providing additional specialised advice or access to wellbeing support where needed,” McClay said.

“The prolonged effects of this wet and cold weather take a toll on our hard-working rural communities, and I encourage people to check-in with their family, neighbours, staff, and to ask for help if you, or someone you know, needs it.”

While the medium-scale adverse event classification covers the entire Southland region and the Clutha District in Otago, conditions in other areas would continue to be monitored closely, he said.

Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds. Photo: Supplied

Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds said she was pleased that an extra $50,000 in Government support, announced today, was being made available for farmers in Southland and parts of Otago.

“This money will help provide support for farmers and rural communities in our province, through the likes of the Southland Rural Support Trust, and comes on top of an extra $250,000 announced for rural support trusts nationwide in June.

“I think it’s significant that the Government has recognised that things are tough for local farmers – and that help has been provided."

“For many, it's not so much about the money, as it is the acknowledgement of the difficulties that so many of our local farmers are facing."

“I have been concerned about the situation in Southland for weeks now and I have been providing support through my office where needed."

“Local farmers and their families have shared their struggles with me, with the relentless wet weather taking a toll on morale."

“According to weather experts, last month was the wettest September since records began in the 1970s. This really underscores just how unusual and severe these conditions have been."

“To make matters worse, farmers have been calving and lambing in recent weeks, a busy and stressful time even in favourable weather."

“Of course the torrential rain over the past 24 hours has only worsened flooding on some local farmland."

“Please take the support that’s on offer – keep talking to and looking out for each other - and try and maintain hope that better days lie ahead,” she said.

Simmonds said the local situation would continue to be assessed, with decisions on whether further support was needed once the full extent of the damage from the current weather events became clearer.

Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick said the Government’s announcement means a lot to farmers on the ground.

Photo: Supplied

"It’s so helpful just to know we’re being thought of - that’s huge for morale."

"Sometimes you just need to know that the rest of the country knows what you’re going through."

Herrick said the extra Government funding will enable Rural Support Trust to continue helping farmers through trying times.

"At the end of the day, it’s not so much financial support that farmers need right now - it’s mental health support, and that’s what Rural Support Trust are there for."

"Once the water goes down and things dry out a bit, that’s when farmers will really need the help. That’s when things will hit home."

Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.