Otago farmers in clean-up mode after deluge

Many farmers across Otago and Southland are now in clean-up mode after the deluge of rain this week.

The Clutha River has been running at its highest levels in almost 20 years, and flooded waterways on the Taieri Plains have consumed a number of farm paddocks.

Residents were forced to move stock and property, and many Otago farmers face a long wait, as it'll take at least 10 days for the waters to recede.

Southland farmers have also been affected, with paddocks waterlogged and crops saturated.

Federated Farmers Southland President Geoffrey Young said those in low lying and river areas are cleaning up.

"Crops have been washed away, and the ones that are left will be struggling," he said.

"Some farmers close to the river have had silage washed away," said Mr Young.

He said luckily there have been no stock losses, with most farmers prepared for the extreme weather.

The wet November has a silver lining he said, with a huge amount of grass growth across Southland.

Newshub.