25 Nov 2010

Southland farmers enjoy high growth rates

2:41 pm on 25 November 2010

Farmers in Southland are making hay while the sun shines. Pasture growth rates in the region are estimated at as much as 50% higher than average.

They are taking advantage of excellent growing conditions to recover something from the severe losses of the spring snow storm.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand's Economic Service calculates the Southland region was left with 730,000 fewer lambs than last year. Some farmers lost up to half of their lambs.

Though some parts of the country are starting to dry off quickly, Southland is experiencing pasture growth rates estimated at 30% to 50% higher than average.