Severe weather in Southland and south Otago
Released 24 Sep 2010
Assistance coordination
The recent weather conditions will have taken a significant toll on rural families, with farmers working themselves to the point of exhaustion to look after their stock, family and neighbours.
The agricultural sector is rallying to the cause - Federated Farmers, in conjunction with the Rural Support Trust, Alliance Group, FMG and CRT and other agribusiness companies in the region are coordinating assistance to Otago and Southland farmers and their families.
At this stage this is a two step process.
The first step is to get help to the areas that have been hardest hit. This will kick off on Saturday with the Federated Farmers field officers and agribusiness staff calling on farmers in the hardest hit regions with a food parcel and a contact sheet for further assistance. Those calling on farmers will have a list of questions to ask farmers to identify the areas of need.
These questions are:
- What is the biggest challenge you will be facing over the next week?
- What can be done to assist you?
- Do you need further labour?
- Do you need extra food or medical needs?
- Do you need assistance to get rid of dead stock?
- What supplements do you need?
- Do you know of anyone who needs help?
Federated Farmers will also be coordinating what is needed and what is available over the weekend, especially feed, labour and machinery.
Anyone can call the Federated Farmers 0800 number, 0800 327 646, if they are looking for assistance or if they have feed, labour or machinery available - there is a serious shortage of local bailage supplies especially.
The second step is to coordinate the feedback from those on the ground and respond accordingly. An aagricultural stakeholders meeting is being held on Monday and things will develop from there.
The Federated Farmers 0800 number is being manned over the weekend, as will the Support Trust's number.
Important contact numbers:
Federated Farmers: 0800 327 646
Rural Support Trust: 0800 787 254
