DROUGHT FORECASTING TOOL
MPI and NIWA are developing a tool to help predict drought conditions.
A trial version of the tool was released in November 2022. NIWA would like your feedback about it.
Actions for farmers during a drought
Talk to an industry association
Other drought advice and guidance
Monitor your feed situation
Every year, there is potential for dry conditions around the country. This may lead to shortages of feed in some regions. Ongoing feed planning and budgeting is essential.
Feed in dry conditions – Fact sheet [PDF, 331 KB]
Get help with feed planning
Having a feed budget can help you:
- calculate your feed demand
- calculate your feed supply
- investigate options to fill feed gaps
- proactively make decisions.
Getting a plan in place can help give you peace of mind. Farm advisers are available to help you complete a feed budget or source alternative feed.
- For drystock farmers, freephone Beef + Lamb NZ on 0800 BEEFLAMB (0800 23 33 52)
- For dairy farmers, freephone DairyNZ on 0800 4 DairyNZ (0800 43 24 79 69)
Monitoring drought conditions and feed supplies
DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Federated Farmers, and other specialist providers, along with MPI, formed a Feed Working Group in April 2020 during a severe drought when farmers had few options to access supplementary feed. The group takes a national perspective. It monitors access to feed availability, and if a significant need arises it will work with local networks and other partners to consider options to overcome feed availability issues.
Drought forecasting tools
NIWA and MPI are working together on a new drought forecasting tool to help farmers and growers better prepare for periods of dryness and drought.
The tool uses innovative climate modelling, the latest in machine-learning and other data-driven techniques.
A trial version of the new tool was released by NIWA in November 2022. This is updated daily to provide forecasts at a much higher spatial resolution than previously available. This will enable the provision of district-level predictions of dryness and drought.
This new tool supplements the existing NZ Drought Index (NZDI) that was jointly launched by NIWA and MPI in 2017.
The final product is expected to be available publicly in time for summer 2023-24. You can send feedback about the trial version.
Trial drought forecasting tool – NIWA
High-tech investment extends drought forecasting for farmers and growers – Beehive
Hawke's Bay drought indicator
A drought risk indicator tool is also available for rural communities in Hawke's Bay.
The tool was designed by the regional council with funding from MPI and in partnership with the Hawke's Bay Rural Advisory Group.
Drought Risk Indicator – Hawke's Bay Regional Council
Contact a Rural Support Trust
Each of the country’s 14 Rural Support Trusts have local, rural people who know from experience that pressures can mount up. Your local trust can provide support and advice. Talking to them is confidential, and free of charge. They can connect you with the services you need, whether it's financial and business advice or health services.
Freephone 0800 78 72 54 (0800 RURAL HELP).
Talk to an industry association
Industry associations like Beef + Lamb New Zealand or DairyNZ can provide technical advice. Their websites have information on planning your feed budget and managing an animal's condition.
Knowledge hub – Beef + Lamb New Zealand
Check your budget
Talk to your bank and accountant early, and talk to them regularly.
Your accountant and Inland Revenue, can answer questions relating to taxes, including access to flexibility provisions to the Income Equalisation Scheme following adverse events.
Extended support for farmers affected by drought – Inland Revenue
Income Equalisation Scheme – Inland Revenue
Family Tax Credits – Inland Revenue
There is some Work and Income support that you could access. Talk to your local Rural Support Trust about emergency benefits, special needs grants, or rural assistance payments.
Emergency Benefit – Work and Income
Special Needs Grant – Work and Income
Rural Assistance Payment – Work and Income
Other drought advice and guidance
Case studies on managing sheep and beef farms through drought:
- Winterhome – Kekerengu, Marlborough [PDF, 1.6 MB]
- Ridgecliff – Banks Peninsula, Canterbury [PDF, 2.4 MB]
- The Homestead – Ward Beach, Marlborough [PDF, 3.5 MB]
- Attadale – Middlemarch, Otago [PDF, 1.1 MB]
Feed and supply chain issues - Beef + Lamb New Zealand
A series of webinars in March 2022 focused on helping farmers prepare for disruptions caused by supply chain issues and the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim was to get farmers thinking about the importance of timely planning. The webinars were recorded and can be viewed on the Beef + Lamb NZ website.
Planning for smart decisions (16 March 2022)
Planning for disruption (30 March 2022)
Other resources
Lifestyle and small block owners: Coping with drought [PDF, 1.9 MB]
Feed in dry conditions – Fact sheet [PDF, 331 KB]
Advice about on-farm emergency euthanasia [PDF, 3.7 MB]
Surviving to thriving – Diary of a drought – FedTalks Podcast
Research on the socio-economic impacts of the 2019/2020 drought
MPI commissioned the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) to draft a report on the socio-economic impacts of the 2019/2020 drought.
Economic impacts of the 2019 drought [PDF, 3.3 MB]
Who to contact
If you have questions about droughts or support for farmers, email info@mpi.govt.nz
