Drought-stricken Canterbury farmers will get an extra helping hand with $88,000 in funding being announced on Thursday.
The Government's extending the official drought declaration for the eastern South Island until at least the end of the year.
Farmers, particularly in North Canterbury, are still grappling with record dry conditions 18 months on.
Local farmers say it's by far the worst drought the region's ever experienced.
An extra $88,000 in funding is being provided to local Rural Support Trusts - $30,000 of which will go to North Canterbury.
North Canterbury Federated Farmers vice-president Dan Hodgen says it's been warmer than expected for this time of the year and lack of rain meant the grass isn't growing.
"Going into lambing we're going to be very short [on grass]," he says.
"We always talk about resilience in farming and it would be nice if we didn't have to and we probably get a bit sick of the word being thrown around but it really is the best one for it."
"People are getting good at making pretty tough decisions. We're still not having serious animal welfare issues -- people are doing what's right by their animal despite it costing them thousands of dollars a week. "
Federated Farmers echoed this and say despite the fact this drought was a "perfect storm" of what could cause significant animal welfare issues, there have been no reported issues and it's a testament to farmers putting their animals first.
"Farmers are to be congratulated for an excellent performance during some very trying circumstances,"provincial president Lynda Murchison says.
Mr Hodgen says it's drier than the older generation have ever seen but farmers focus on moving forward and making the next decision.
"If you pull the curtains and sit down and cry about it then there's only one way that's going to end, so you just have to pick yourself up and take on the next challenge."
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy (Newshub.)
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy made the announcement at a meeting with local farmers in North Canterbury today, his fifth visit to the region since April last year. Martyn Dunne director general of MPI also joined Mr Guy at the meeting.
"North Canterbury remains the worst affected area with rainfall only around 50 to 60 percent of the long term average," he says.
"This will be the longest period of time a [drought] classification of this type has lasted for.
"Soil moisture remains significantly drier than normal and some Canterbury wells show groundwater at record low levels."
Federated Farmers says North Canterbury farmers should be congratulated for an "excellent performance during some very trying circumstances".
North Canterbury farmers at the meeting where the extra funding was announced (Newshub.)
The total funding the region has received from the Government since February last year amounts to $538,000.
"As well as extra funding, Rural Assistance Payments (RAPs) will be available for those in real hardship until 28 February 2017."
Mr Guy says it's important for rural communities know they're not alone and there is support out there. As well as Rural Support Trusts, Inland Revenue can also offer flexibility with timing of tax payments.
"The additional $600,000 for rural mental health announced at the Fieldays this month will also complement Rural Support Trusts work organising community events, professional meetings, and one-on-one mentoring."
The east coast of the North Island is also still very dry, including Wairarapa, parts of Hawke's Bay and the East Coast regions. Mr Guy says he is keeping a close eye on those regions as well.
Newshub.
