Farmers in water-logged parts of the North Island are facing other challenges, dealing with the effects of much higher than average winter and early spring rainfalls.
Federated Farmers says the Puketurua-Cambridge area of Central Waikato has recorded 2000mm, (two metres) of rain so far this year. The average for the whole year is normally 1200 - 1300mm.
And the Matamata area has had only six rainless days since late July, according to one farmer's records.
Waikato president Stew Wadey says the resulting soggy conditions are difficult to manage, especially after an autumn drought in the region.
