The Big Dry is getting bigger.

On Tuesday, the Government extended drought relief to four more regions, including the Bay of Plenty (Western Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Kawerau,  Opotoki, Whakatane and Tauranga), South Taranaki, South Canterbury (Mackenzie, Waimate and Waitaki) and Otago (Central Otago and Dunedin City).

Earlier this month, the Government declared a medium-level drought in the Waikato, Rodney, Papakura

Agriculture Minister David Carter says with significant parts of both islands now in drought, many farmers are facing a tough winter.  He says help for farmers will include tax assistance, farm management advice, welfare support and funding for Rural Support Trusts.  Inland Revenue will also offer some flexibility within its Income Equalisation Scheme.

Federated Farmers Adverse Events spokesperson David Rose says the timing of the drought is particularly bad. He points out the 2007-2008 drought cost the economy $2.8 billion and was a major recessionary factor, so the decision to widen drought programmes is essential.

In Central Otago, farmers are worried that an autumn drought and the usual cold winter will stretch some farms to breaking point.

Mike Lord, President of Federated Farmers Otago, says the situation is desperate and the drought declaration was badly needed.

Further north, farmers in the Taranaki are also suffering, with river levels at a critical low and no short term weather relief in sight.

Peter Adamski, Chairman of the Taranaki Rural Support Trust, says the announcement of more aid can’t come soon enough for most farmers in the region.

Meantime, Federated Farmers Drought Line is standing by to help match farmers with feed to sell.

To get in touch, phone 0800 DROUGHT. That’s 0800 376 844. The free service is for members and non-members of Federated Farmers.