Flooded farms in recovery mode

Scottie McLeod with a big old macrocarpa tree that came down in the Cook storm in April.

After two weeks of pumping away water, farmers on the Rangitaiki Plains have begun spreading fertiliser and grass seed and repairing fences, in preparation for the return of livestock moved off because of the Edgecumbe flood.

Among those whose farms went under water in early-April is Scotty McLeod, who in 62 years living on the plains has seen countless floods.

'This is a flood plain. If you farm here you have to be prepared for floods. Floods are one of the reasons the land is so fertile,” says Scottie.

It was ex-cyclone Debbie that brought the flooding, closely followed by ex-cyclone Cook with its strong winds flattening many trees on Jill and Scottie's home farm.

'One of the first things we had to do was cut trees off the driveways so our staff could get out,” says Jill.

The McLeods trucked 510 cows off one low-lying farm and are grateful to the farmer who is grazing and milking them. 'He gets the milk payment but I'm more than happy to know the cows are being looked after.”

In all, about 3000 cows were moved off the planes by a fleet of trucks which came from throughout the North Island to help.

'The flood response for farmers in this area is a well-oiled machine, co-ordinated by Federated Farmers, led by Bay of Plenty president Darryl Jensen,” says Scottie.

'Everyone pitches in to help and there were pumps and tractors working day and night to get rid of the water.”

Scottie feels for everyone affected by the floods, especially residents of Edgecumbe.

'The issue of what happened is pretty emotive. The Reid's Central Floodway maybe should have been used earlier but all that will come out in the inquiry.

'I believe the Matahina dam was at the lowest level it had ever been before the flood but it's not a big dam and it couldn't contain all the water which came into it.

'Anyone with concerns should make submission to the inquiry,” says Scotty, of the independent inquiry commissioned by the bay of Plenty Regional Council and to be headed by Sir Michael Cullen.

Among those helping pump water on the McLeod and other farms was Ivan Burgener of Pongakawa, who worked from 6am to midnight for eight days straight, making sure pumps were doing their jobs.

'We had a good team of about five people, mostly from the regional council, but including farmers. The pumps have to be moved as the water recedes.”

Ivan says he was happy to help. 'We had help when our farm went under water in 2004. It's just how it is. You get what you give and if you don't give, don't expect anything in return.”

Help is at hand

The flood waters may have receded but their impacts will be felt for a long time to come. That's why Federated Farmers and The Rural Support Trust are urging farmers and their families not to try to 'go it alone”.

Help, either in the form of hand-on work, grazing for animals, feed, grass seed, advice on how to manage flood-damaged pastures and finances, or just a friendly talk, is only a phone call away.

Federated Farmers' flood helpline, 0800 327 646 (option 3), is open for feed donations, or choose option 4 for other on-farm help, including stock movements, generators etc.

The Rural Support Trust, phone 0800 787 254 is available anytime. The trust members are local rural people that know from experience that severe weather, finances, relationships, and work pressures can all mount up.

The free service offers a confidential chat about you, your business, the weather, your finances; or a neighbour, partner, friend, family member, or worker.

If you need more than a chat, the trust can point you in the right direction.

Additional help

Modern Office in Devonport Road in Tauranga are setting up a furniture drive to help those that are needing to refurbish their homes following the floods.

'We are coordinating a flood relief drive for Edgecumbe residents and are seeking donations of quality second-hand furniture, bedding and kitchenware - which are the items they are in most need of down there,” says marketing coordinator Olivia Watkins.

'We will be sending our two trucks down on May 5 to drop off any donated items to aid those in need.”

FURNITURE DROP OFF POINT:

41 Hotuhotu Street, Tauriko (the Modern Office warehouse). Mon-Fri: 8.30-4pm. If you are unable to drop off furniture, let us know and we may be able to arrange a pick up (Tauranga only).

BEDDING / KITCHENWARE DROP OFF POINTS:

These items can either be dropped off at; Modern Office, 146 Devonport Road, Tauranga, Mon-Fri: 8.30 - 5pm or 41 Hotuhotu Street, Tauriko (the Modern Office warehouse), Mon-Fri: 8.30am-4pm).

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1 comment

spreading fertiliser

Posted on 28-04-2017 17:40 | By Capt_Kaveman

and they wonder why our rivers are stuffed


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