A lack of supplementary feed is expected to hit farmers hard this winter, adding to the mix of problems already thrown up by the lack of rain.

Drought conditions are continuing to take their toll on North Canterbury farms, despite a decent down-pour just over a week ago.

Scargill Valley farmer Andy Fox said more rain is needed to help farmers get through the next few months.

He said if it doesn’t then it’s only a matter of time before other problems start to surface.

“Supplementary feed may be in short supply and and will probably be quite expensive, one of the options is to buy, but it’s not that practical in some situations.”

But North Canterbury Rural Support Trust chair Doug Archbold believes farmers are becoming more resilient in the face of dry weather conditions and are maintaining a positive attitude.

“It is a stressful time, but farmers have really got some good plans in place and they are acting early to either buy feed or reduce stock numbers.”

Meanwhile Some Otago farmers can’t recall a drier summer.

Ongoing dry weather conditions are continuing to take their toll on farmers everywhere, but it appears those down south are the hardest hit.

Federated Farmers Otago president Phil Hunt said while other parts of the country had rain over the New Year period, he didn’t see much more than a drop.

Mr Hunt willl be meeting with the Otago regional council this week to discuss the water restrictions.

– NewstalkZB