FOREWORD
The snowstorms of July and August 1992 were disastrous events for rural communities on the East Coast of the South Island. There was a most remarkable response which stretched the resilience of all farm families, but which also showed the willingness of wider communities to pull together in extreme adversity. This undoubtedly reduced stock losses and other damage.
We all want to learn from this experience and this survey is a very important record of what happened on farms, what steps farmers took to manage the problems and what they have learned from it.
It is not a report on what scientists and advisers think about snow management. It is a report of farmers' own practical experiences and a pooling of these for the benefit of all farmers.
The information recorded here about preparing for future snows by having prepared plans and priorities, by learning from others, by building up reserves, are all components of ensuring the survival and strengthening of the farm business. This is practical risk management at work and these are the kinds of things which lead towards more sustainable farming systems.
Farmers have made it clear they are seeking to become more strongly self-reliant in their businesses, including coping with adverse climatic events. This is consistent with the policies of Government, and MAW Policy sees this report as one of the vehicles towards ensuring the industry has the knowledge and framework to manage such events.
The building of stronger farm businesses, informed and improved decision-making and the continued refinement of livestock and property management all lead towards agriculture which will be more sustainable in time, and we feel it is most appropriate to publish this report as part of our "Sustainable Agriculture" series.
| Larry Fergusson Group Director/Agriculture Policy MAF Policy |
Alan Walker Director Rural Resources MAF Policy |
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
Contact this person
