The cost of the drought to the economy of Northland has hit $300 million and it’s climbing.

According to the Northland Regional Council, the loss from dairy farming alone will be more than $220 million. Meat and wool farmers are down $52 million. While  losses to the horticulture industry are unknown, the avocado harvest is down 20%.

Only forestry has cashed in on the drought with good dry conditions for harvesting and forestry roads.

Meantime, in Northland, seven farming families have been receiving income support payments of $317 a week since February.

 Rural Support Trust coordinator Helen Moodie says those affected are primarily dairy farmers, mostly share milkers with no assets to borrow against.

In Waikato, up to 15 farmers a day in the drought zone have been calling a helpline to ask for income assistance and other help.

Waikato Rural Support Trust chairman Neil Bateup says farmers in some areas have now suffered through  two dry years in a row.