On the Farm - a wrap of conditions on farms around the country

Kiwifruit are looking good in Hawkes Bay. Some flooded vines have died but generally recovery is better than expected. Conditions are very dry in Marlborough so many farmers are offloading stock due to concerns over feed and water levels.Kiwifruit are looking good in Hawkes Bay. Some flooded vines have died but generally recovery is better than expected. Conditions are very dry in Marlborough so many farmers are offloading stock due to concerns over feed and water levels.Listen to Country Life for more on farming conditions around NZTe Tai Tokerau/Northland had some welcome rain this week - about 30 millimetres, but follow up is needed to break the dry spell. Dairy farmers are in a good head space apparently - that's with the forecast payout going up. Dairy cow pregnancy testing is well underway and results are normal, with 10 to 15 percent empty. The labour shortage, which has been an issue for several years, is even more dire this year.In Pukekohe extensive areas of leafy green crops have been planted for winter but prolific numbers of diamond black moths and army worm are getting a meal first. Growers are saying demand for their crops is very weak and the prices they're receiving very disappointing.On Waikato dairy farms, grass is growing, cows are milking and supplementary feed isn't needed, even though some are feeding out. The price of maize silage has plummeted, there's no demand from cow farmers and grain operators aren't interested because they still have full silos from last year. In the hot, dry conditions the maize is ripening really quickly though, so farmers will have to cut it whether they want to or not, they just can't hold out for the market to pick up a bit.Bay of Plenty kiwifruit growers are positive. Picking started for the new red variety this week and some orchardists are finding quite a few small fruit in their crops. Gold growers are gearing up for harvest and are quietly hopeful with good volume on the vines.There is plenty of grass on King Country farms. It's not great quality at this time of year, but stock are doing OK and at last lambs are starting to put on some weight but, as there is everywhere, there is dismay at the low prices being paid for store lambs. Early lambing farmers are putting the ram out, and those with weaner cattle to sell are preparing for sale yard fairs over the next couple of weeks .Taranaki has had what is being called a "kind" summer. Farms generally are looking green but there are localised dry patches with brown pasture. One dairy farmer said "covers are adequate but not exciting". Some are feeding out and those into autumn calving have just started and it's going well. Maize harvesting's well underway …Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details