An expected El Nino weather pattern is likely to introduce hotter, drier, and windier conditions to East Otago this spring, which could lead to drier soils and less groundwater replenishment. Shawn McAvinue inquires with East Otago farmers about whether they adjust their farming practices based on long-term weather forecasts.
Sheep and beef farmer Brian Thomson, from Allanton, Dunedin, says… “No. If you’ve been farming for a long time, like I have, you learn to adapt to these changes. I’m now managing fewer livestock than before, and I’m comfortable with our current approach. If signs of adverse conditions appear, you begin destocking, but you don’t act until it’s necessary. It’s crucial to adapt early.”
Dairy farmer Chris Morrissey, from Momona, Dunedin, comments… “We won’t make any changes until it actually happens. We can choose to cull cows earlier if it gets dry, which would lower the stocking rate and reduce our feed requirements.”
Dairy farmer Callum Kingan, from Enfield, North Otago, notes… “Not really, because we have irrigation. Previously, such a forecast would be quite concerning, but with irrigation in place now, it’s not as much of a worry.”
Sheep and beef farmer Simon Davies, from Toko Mouth, South Otago, says… “Not at this stage, but we’re keeping an eye on it. In South Otago, we have more time to make decisions. If it appears likely to dry out, it will happen in North Otago first, and we’ll adjust our plans based on that.”
