Strong Winds Damage North Canterbury Irrigation Equipment

Severe winds in North Canterbury have caused significant damage to irrigation equipment, leaving farmers facing a daunting summer ahead. The winds, which struck on Thursday, damaged tens of millions of dollars’ worth of equipment, including over 700 pivot spans, according to Bex Green, president of Federated Farmers North Canterbury. The destruction has raised serious concerns about water supply as the dry season approaches.

Farmers in the Amuri Basin now confront lengthy waits for replacement parts, with estimates suggesting that some may not arrive until November 2023 or later. Green noted that each pivot span costs approximately $30,000, leading to a total estimated loss exceeding $20 million. “Our big pivot is 13 spans. We have three down and can’t use them, so we’ve essentially lost half of our pivot,” she explained.

The situation is particularly precarious as some farmers may lack insurance for their damaged equipment. Green emphasized that certain farmers have been unable to secure coverage due to prior incidents where their pivots have turned over multiple times. The loss of irrigation capacity means that vast areas of farmland could be left unwatered, with estimates indicating that as much as 80 to 100 hectares may suffer. “We will have no option but to bring in bought feed,” Green said.

As summer temperatures rise, farmers are faced with tough decisions regarding their livestock. Green posed the dilemma many are grappling with: “Do you reduce your cows, send them off to another farm that can feed them, or try to put other feed in?” This uncertainty is compounded by the lack of clear timelines for when replacement equipment will be available.

The emotional toll on farmers is palpable, with many expressing feelings of stress and exhaustion. Green reported that some have already transitioned to once-a-day milking, a practice typically reserved for the start of the new year. “Farmers are going to be quite stressed worrying about feed input and not being able to water those parts of the farm,” she noted.

Adding to the urgency, insurance claims related to last week’s extreme weather have already surpassed $10 million and are expected to increase as more farmers file reports. FMG, New Zealand’s largest rural insurer, has already received over 900 claims, primarily from regions such as Southland and Otago. Spokesperson Jacqui McIntosh indicated that claims have been made for damaged roofs, farm buildings, fencing, and irrigators.

“We’re still in the early days of this and expect those numbers to rise once the state of emergencies lift and utilities are restored,” McIntosh said. She also mentioned that FMG is collaborating with irrigation repair companies, anticipating a lengthy recovery process.

In light of the widespread damage, Federated Farmers is working closely with organizations including the Rural Support Trust, Irrigation NZ, Dairy NZ, Fonterra, and the Ministry for Primary Industries. This collaborative effort aims to provide timely information and support to farmers as they navigate the challenges ahead.

As the farmers of North Canterbury brace for a long summer, the need for clear communication and support remains critical. The devastation caused by the wind has not only impacted equipment but also threatens the livelihoods of those reliant on effective irrigation systems.