The relief effort is underway to help the Southland farmers worst hit by last week’s snow storm.

Federated Farmers, the Rural Support Trust and several farming companies are sending representatives around farms offering support and advice on recovery.

Rural Support Trust co-ordinator Janet Gregory says food parcels and counselling are available for those who need it.

“The information kits and the food packages that are going out today are going out to the Tokanui, Wyndham and Kaiwera districts, and some parts of South Otago, which is where we see the immediate need."

Mrs Gregory says the worst of the weather looks to have passed, but farmers aren’t out of the woods yet.

"Some parts of the province didn’t get clear, warm wind like the rest did, there are still showers down the south coast, and some wouldn’t have had that drying out weather.

"It certainly wasn’t as bad as it was earlier in the week, but it wouldn’t need to be, either, the damage is already done.”

The economic impact of the storm is still being measured, but early estimates put the loss at $50m.

As many as half a million lambs may have been lost in the week.

Federated Farmers President Don Nicolson says it's been heartbreaking for farmers forced to watch their livelihoods disappear.

“This is different to drought, or disease, because generally you have crops or animals [so] you can do something about it to limit the damage.

"What you have in a storm is because the life is taken so quickly, you don’t have time to do anything about it, and that’s the primary difference between this and anything else farmers face.”

Southland Feds President Rod Pemberton says farmers are being assessed in a three-tier system.

"This is a guy who looks like he’s in a bit of danger of tipping over, in the next couple of days without help – he’d be a red on our scale.

"Orange is if we think they need some help in the future, and green is for those that are doing OK."

Mr Pemberton also paid tribute to the Southland Stags rugby team, whose gallant defence of the Ranfurly Shield against Auckland on Thursday lifted many farmers' spirits.

And anyone in need of assistance can call the Federated Farmers helpline on 0800 327 646, and the Rural Support Trust on 0800 RURAL HELP - 0800 787 254.