Ravensdown to the rescue

Ravensdown has pledged not to leave the North Island’s drought-stricken farmers high and dry this winter.

“With drought declared in Wairoa, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and parts of Wairarapa, Federated Farmers 0800 drought line (0800 376 844) is providing a platform for farmers supplying or seeking feed,” says Frank Brenmuhl, Federated Farmers adverse events spokesperson.

“It also puts Federation members in contact with other service providers like Ravensdown, which can help them through the current dry spell. Ravensdown has a strong long-term relationship with the Federation and is doing its part to ease the pain of drought-affected farmers by providing an assistance plan.

“To help maintain normal fertiliser programmes and production, Ravensdown is offering its shareholders in drought-affected areas interest free deferred payment terms for fertiliser as well as free technical advice.

“Now that the soil has been sucked dry of nutrients, fertilisers play an important role in encouraging pasture growth to meet increased feed demands over winter.

“In particular, nitrogen fertilisers can expedite the recovery of both pasture and crops that have been affected by drought.

“Once significant rain has fallen, farmers in these drought-affected areas will be looking to apply their fertiliser immediately. That is why Ravensdown is offering interest free deferred payment terms for fertiliser bought before the end of July.

“It is a generous offer and something that other farm input providers should be looking to emulate. To be eligible, farmers must be in the drought-affected areas and be a Ravensdown shareholder,” Mr Brenmuhl concluded.

Call Federated Farmers drought line on 0800 376 844 or visit www.ravensdown.co.nz for further details.