Drought Meetings Aim to Raise Rural Morale

The Hawke’s Bay Drought Committee is hosting four Drought Field Day and Barbecues throughout the region after a drought was officially announced last week.

The meetings, at Wallingford, Maraekakho, Rissington and Elsthorpe, aim to give farmers strategies for getting through the winter but it is also a chance to get communities together to talk.

Drought committee chairman and Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says times are tough for Hawke’s Bay farmers and it’s important for neighbours to be supporting each other.

“This is an opportunity for people to get together and have a beer, build some support networks and meet the people they can call on if they need help.

We can’t change the situation but we can provide some strategies for getting through the winter,” Mr Yule says.

Meetings will start with presentations from a representative of veterinary industry, the banking community and a farm management advisor.

Agricultural Recovery Facilitators will also be available for farmers to call to get advice or just talk to about their individual situation.

Hawkes Bay Drought Field Days + BBQ

Monday 18th May - Wallingford Hall, Bush Road, Wallingford

Tuesday 19th May - Maraekakaho Hall, Kereru Rd, RD1, Hastings

Wednesday 20th May - Camp Omatua, Puketitiri Rd, Rissington

Thursday 21st May - Elsthorpe Community Hall, 7 Kenderdine Rd, Elsthorpe

Meetings start at 3pm.