On the Farm - a wrap of conditions around the country

Country Life - A podcast by RNZ - Fridays

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Rain is still needed in many parts of the country. Hay and baleage is being trucked around to ensure stock get the feed they need. The grape harvest is well through in Central Otago with good yields and clean fruit.There's a good volume of gold kiwifruit coming off in Bay of Plenty and in beautiful condition.In Northland, there's enough grazing on hand to keep farmers from cutting into their winter feed. Rain is needed though. Rates rise proposals are causing uncertainty. Meanwhile avocado growers are lamenting low returns and kumara growers have been disappointed by recent prices.Around Pukekohe, the last few weeks have been notable for stable weather, sunshine and low rainfall. With the aid of irrigation, winter crops have been planted and established without major problems. At this stage growers say there should be no shortage of fresh vegetables during winter.In Waikato, grass is belting away. It's been one of the best summers in recent years, our farmer contact says. Dairy cows are in good shape and May milking is looking good. Steady rainfall means summer pasture is transitioning well to rye grass for the winter. The cooler autumn weather has also reduced rates of facial eczema. There's a good volume of gold kiwifruit coming off in Bay of Plenty and in beautiful condition. There are plenty of avos too, but with low returns things are not looking so rosy there for growers. The labour shortage seen in recent years appears to have abated with a steady supply of RSE workers. King Country's grass growth is the envy of surrounding regions, with many farmers hanging onto lambs to fatten them up. California thistles are also having a great season, much to farmers' annoyance. Market conditions remain a challenge though, especially with low returns for wool and sheepmeat. Farmers are spending half what they would normally on fertiliser - as they "batten down the hatches".It's a "green drought" in parts of Taranaki with enough rain to keep pasture green, but not growing. Herds are eating into their winter feed requirements and without good rain soon, many farmers will look to dry off their cows. Milk production is down on last year but early pregnancy scanning results for dairy cows are looking good, with about 12 to 13 percent empty, or not in calf…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details