It’s déjà vu for Northland farmers as the region starts to dry out. 

Farmers are still struggling to recover from last summer’s devastating drought, and the short term forecast doesn’t look good.

Federated Farmers Northland President Matthew Long says while most farmers still have plenty of feed, their properties are drier than this time last year.

“The one dam we have that isn’t fed by springs is currently half empty and summer hasn’t even started yet.

"I’ve heard stories of creeks being down to half flow already, so this will be very concerning for those people that depend on dams and those creeks for water supply for stock.”

Mr Long says many farmers have been using supplementary feed in an effort to boost cow condition.

“I think a lot of people have been feeding supplements as a kind of catch-up through winter to try and get condition back on cows and very little is being made in the way of silage up here.

"So it would be a good idea for people to get in and confirm supplements now because things could get much worse.”