Tararua farmers have been granted a relief package by the Government following severe floods over the past month.

It’s thought around 25 per cent of new born lambs were lost during heavy rain at the start and end of September.

That’s left many farmers with serious cash flow problems likely to worsen as the lamb kill picks up over summer.

Tararua Rural Support Trust co-ordinator Chris Southgate says many farmers have already taken advantage of the support.

“The main thing is that the rural assistance payments are available to those who qualify, and they can access the Taskforce Green workers where possible.

"Most of the work, though, will require machinery, so the payments may only go so far – but it’s recognition, which is the main thing."

Mr Southgate says many farmers are facing capital stock losses they’ll struggle to make up. 

"They’ll have to keep what they can, but there won’t be as many to keep, and there will be very limited surplus stock available in the area.

"We, of course got clobbered, but the Manawatu got hit hard as well, and our northern and southern neighbours suffered too.”

Anyone wanting to contact the Rural Support Trust about the relief package can call 0800 787 254.