Motorists driving around the rural areas of the Western Bay of Plenty are being warned to expect cows on the road.

For many in the dairy industry, June 1 means one thing - time to move.

'As the new season starts, thousands of sharemilkers and dairy farmers load cows into stock trucks or walk them along roads, and move farm equipment and whole households to new farms,” says police.

'If you're driving be prepared to exercise a little more patience on the road and be especially aware of fog that might make it hard to see a herd of cows ahead etc.

'Those of you who are moving, be aware that there are those out there who prey on easy opportunities to make a quick buck and steal something.”

Biosecurity staff in the region are warning local land owners to check their machinery is clean and stock are empty before letting them through their gates.

Famers are also being urged to tidy up as much effluent from the road as possible, as stock moves from one farm to another.

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