Southland businesses are rallying together to help farmers after one of the worst Spring seasons that many can remember.
Farms had been severely hit by persistent rain and dairy farmers in particular had taken a real hit with their milk production.
There has also been an exponential loss of stock, particularly newborn lambs, and in the areas worst affected, there has been severe flooding resulting in damage to infrastructure and fencing.
VetSouth and Winton Medical Centre are holding an event tomorrow to help lift farmers spirits.
The local farming community has been invited to some Ceilidh dancing at the Lochiel Community Hall on Tuesday night from 6-9pm.
The ‘Scottish Sun Shout’ will feature special guest band Little Green Men and there will be free food and drink as well.
Apparently, back in the day, after nine months of rain the Scots used to emerge from their bogs, throw on a tartan scarf, and do a Sun Dance to encourage the place to dry out for a few days.
Also tonite at the Winton Golf Club, Southland Federated Farmers has organised a family event barbecue thanks to The Grocer for supplying the food.
Starting at 6:30pm, special guest Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard will be in attendance.
Open Country Dairy has also been supporting farmers with regular phone calls and also putting on a lunch event to help farmers mental health.
Feed and dispatch delivery teams have been working around the clock, along with agri-helicopter companies getting fertilizer spread in challenging conditions, and bringing in reinforcements from outside the region so the job can get done.
Registered counsellor Kathryn Wright offered some good advice for farmers on the Rural Support website.
She said farmers spoken to were pretty downcast about low commodity prices, high interest rates, and a general feeling of gloom around the future of farming.
She said seven minutes of meaningful connection with someone you like will instantly pick up your mood.
Prioritising sleep, making sure to eat well and moving your body were also important.
