The threat of severe drought looming over farms in the South Island has seen one farmer sell off hundreds of lambs.

North Canterbury farmer and livestock analyst David Meares has sold 14-hundred lambs early.

He says things were still relatively green at Christmas, but it’s gone downhill fast since then.

“Now the nor-westers and the heat came on in the last month, it’s really taken a turn for the worst,” he says.

“We’re staring at drought, rather than being right in it.” 

Meares says lamb prices are still reasonable, but farmers are struggling to keep stock in good condition.

– Newstalk ZB

– Photo: Logan Deadman, submitted