DROUGHT FORECASTING TOOL
MPI and NIWA have launched a new tool to help predict drought conditions.
The drought forecasting tool is part of the NIWA35 platform, which is using machine learning and deep learning to make high resolution sub-seasonal climate predictions up to 35 days ahead.
Actions for farmers during a drought
Talk to an industry association
Other drought advice and guidance
Monitor your feed situation
Every year, there is potential for dry conditions around the country. This may lead to shortages of feed in some regions. Ongoing feed planning and budgeting is essential.
Feed in dry times – Fact sheet [PDF, 1.4 MB]
Get help with feed planning
Having a feed budget can help you:
- calculate your feed demand
- calculate your feed supply
- investigate options to fill feed gaps
- proactively make decisions.
Getting a plan in place can help give you peace of mind. Farm advisers are available to help you complete a feed budget or source alternative feed.
- For drystock farmers, freephone Beef + Lamb NZ on 0800 BEEFLAMB (0800 23 33 52)
- For dairy farmers, freephone DairyNZ on 0800 4 DairyNZ (0800 43 24 79 69)
Drought forecasting tools
NIWA and MPI have developed a drought forecasting tool to help farmers and growers better prepare for periods of dryness and drought.
The tool uses innovative climate modelling, the latest in machine-learning and other data-driven techniques.
NIWA officially launched this tool in October 2023. This is updated daily to provide forecasts at a much higher spatial resolution than previously available. This will enable the provision of district-level predictions of dryness and drought.
This tool supplements the existing NZ Drought Index (NZDI) that was jointly launched by NIWA and MPI in 2017.
Drought forecasting tool – NIWA
High-tech investment extends drought forecasting for farmers and growers – Beehive
Hawke's Bay drought indicator
A drought risk indicator tool is also available for rural communities in Hawke's Bay.
The tool was designed by the regional council with funding from MPI and in partnership with the Hawke's Bay Rural Advisory Group.
Drought Risk Indicator – Hawke's Bay Regional Council
Contact a Rural Support Trust
Each of the country’s 14 Rural Support Trusts have local, rural people who know from experience that pressures can mount up. Your local trust can provide support and advice. Talking to them is confidential, and free of charge. They can connect you with the services you need, whether it's financial and business advice or health services.
Freephone 0800 78 72 54 (0800 RURAL HELP).
Talk to an industry association
Industry associations like Beef + Lamb New Zealand or DairyNZ can provide technical advice. Their websites have information on planning your feed budget and managing an animal's condition.
Knowledge hub – Beef + Lamb New Zealand
Check your budget
Talk to your bank and accountant early, and talk to them regularly.
Your accountant and Inland Revenue, can answer questions relating to taxes, including access to flexibility provisions to the Income Equalisation Scheme following adverse events.
Extended support for farmers affected by drought – Inland Revenue
Income Equalisation Scheme – Inland Revenue
Family Tax Credits – Inland Revenue
There is some Work and Income support that you could access. Talk to your local Rural Support Trust about emergency benefits, special needs grants, or rural assistance payments.
Emergency Benefit – Work and Income
Special Needs Grant – Work and Income
Rural Assistance Payment – Work and Income
Other drought advice and guidance
Case studies on managing sheep and beef farms through drought:
- Winterhome – Kekerengu, Marlborough [PDF, 1.6 MB]
- Ridgecliff – Banks Peninsula, Canterbury [PDF, 2.4 MB]
- The Homestead – Ward Beach, Marlborough [PDF, 3.5 MB]
- Attadale – Middlemarch, Otago [PDF, 1.1 MB]
Feed and supply chain issues - Beef + Lamb New Zealand
Webinars are available on the Beef + Lamb NZ website that are focused on helping farmers prepare for disruptions based on the outlook for the current season. The aim was to get farmers thinking about the importance of planning.
Planning for smart decisions (16 March 2022)
Part 1: Planning for disruption webinar
Part 2: Planning for disruption webinar
Part 3: Planning for disruption webinar
Other resources
Prepare your lifestyle or small block for a hot, dry summer [PDF, 2.4 MB]
Feed in dry conditions – Fact sheet [PDF, 1.4 MB]
Surviving to thriving – Diary of a drought – FedTalks Podcast
Who to contact
If you have questions about droughts or support for farmers, email info@mpi.govt.nz
