Air Force assists high country farmers

Federated Farmers president for Marlborough, Geoff Evans gave the New Zealand Royal Air Force the go-ahead today to rescue stock trapped in snow at the head of the Awatere Valley.

“Drifts of snow up to four feet have trapped animals and for the past few weeks farmers have been feeding stranded stock by helicopter drops, Mr Evans said.

“The Number 3 Squadron was training at Dip Flat which is handy to the Awatere Valley and see the rescue as both a good turn and a further training opportunity.

“Marlborough high country farmers are grateful for support from the Air Force in assisting the rescue of their stock,” he said.

Mr Evans said high country farmers would usually shift stock from snow prone areas but conditions had been worse this year.