With many regions across the country facing dry conditions and drought, farmers are increasingly concerned about feed for their stock.
Wayne McEntee, head of livestock at Heartland Bank, says despite forecasts showing rain for some regions "it just never arrives".
"[In] the Hawke's Bay, in particular, there's a fair amount of stress and anxiety in those communities, the strong communities they are. It's pretty dire in the Bay at present," McEntee told Rural Exchange.
"And generally, looking on a wider national level, everyone's just thinking about those feed reservations at present."
McEntee says the lack of feed has had an impact on cattle prices.
Listen to the interview.
This article was created for Heartland Bank.