Future changes
Almost three-quarters of farmers intend to change some of the direct actions taken at the time of the snow and almost half intend to make longer term management and structural changes. Some suggested changes are as follows:
Direct actions
- More conserved feed (hay, silage, brassicas, autumn saved pasture)
- Faster response
- Better maintenance of vehicles
- May purchase a 4-wheel drive tractor and/or snowplough
Management changes
- Lambing later
- Summer shearing
- If winter shearing, shear earlier (by a month) and use blades
- Feeding deer and cows better
- Condition sheep to hay
- Fence off higher countrylimprove lower country. Use brassicas
Structural changes
- More shelter trees
- More and better farm tracks
- More haybarns
- Mark high altitude tracks with poles
Contact for Enquiries
North Island
Phil Journeaux
Manager
North Island Regions
Sector Performance Policy
MAF Policy
Private Bag 3123
Hamilton
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 7 957 8314
Fax: +64 7 957 8315
South Island
John Greer
Regional Team Leader
Natural Resources Group
MAF Policy
PO Box 20 280
Christchurch
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 3 943 1703
Fax: +64 3 943 1757
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