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Make a plan with clear decision points
It is recommended to set dates or trigger points for important decisions based on factors such as climate forecasts, soil moisture, feed availability, water supplies and financial conditions. Plans should be discussed with trusted advisors and kept up to date.
Possible trigger points could include:
ORC’s Water Alert Levels shifting
soil moisture reaching an agreed level
pasture cover declining below a planned threshold
stored feed or water reaching a nominated level
irrigation restrictions taking effect
forecast feed demand becoming greater than supply
livestock condition beginning to decline
a financial threshold being reached
insufficient rainfall by a particular date.
Agreeing on these points in advance can support clearer and more timely decisions.
Use irrigation water efficiently
Efficient irrigation helps make the best use of available water and reduces unnecessary losses.
Water users can:
repair leaks and maintain irrigation equipment
check that water is being applied evenly
match irrigation to soil, crop and pasture needs
avoid irrigating when wind or temperature would cause unnecessary loss
monitor water use
prepare for possible restrictions and what you would do under each level.
identify which water uses are essential
retain appropriate water reserves, including for firefighting where practicable.
ORC monitors regional water resources and compliance with water permits and minimum-flow requirements.
Caring for animals
Hot and dry weather can affect animal health, water demand, feed availability and pasture growth.
Anyone responsible for animals should:
regularly monitor animal condition
watch for signs of heat stress
provide enough clean drinking water every day
make sure all animals can reach water
check that water systems can meet peak demand
identify an alternative water supply
provide suitable shade
review feed supplies and expected pasture growth
update feed budgets regularly
seek veterinary or technical advice when needed.
Allow for increased water demand
Animals may drink considerably more during hot and dry weather, particularly when eating dry feed such as hay or pellets. Working, pregnant and lactating animals may also have higher water requirements.
MPI advises that animals may drink up to three times their usual amount in hot and dry conditions.
MPI provides the following indicative figures for normal water consumption:
Animal class | Indicative normal water use |
Cattle | 45 litres per head per day |
Sheep and goats | 4 litres per head per day |
Red deer | 5 litres per head per day |
Horses | 30 litres per head per day |
Alpacas | 7 litres per head per day |
Pigs | 20 litres per head per day |
Poultry | 0.2 litres per bird per day |
These figures are a starting point only. Actual demand will depend on animal size, feed, activity, production stage and weather. Water systems should be assessed against likely peak demand, rather than normal consumption alone.
Plan for interruptions or contamination
Do not wait until a stock-water supply is nearly exhausted before taking action.
If a supply is declining:
check for leaks, blockages and pump problems
monitor storage levels and daily use
estimate how long the remaining supply will last
activate a suitable alternative supply
seek technical advice where required
consider whether livestock numbers or locations need to change.
If water may be contaminated, provide animals with a clean alternative and seek appropriate veterinary or water-quality advice.
Feed, pasture and livestock planning
MPI recommends maintaining an up-to-date feed budget and acting early if a deficit is forecast.
Farmers can consider:
extending grazing rotations before dry conditions significantly slow pasture growth
reviewing stocking policies and milking frequency where relevant
estimating feed demand for planned livestock numbers
identifying any feed surpluses
assessing suitable summer feed crops
considering deferred grazing where appropriate
identifying which livestock classes would be prioritised if numbers need to be reduced
retaining sufficient feed for the animals remaining on the property
keeping in contact with livestock agents and meat processors.
The best response will vary between properties. Farm-specific information and advice should guide decisions.
If reducing livestock numbers may become necessary, planning early can provide more options. Processing capacity may become constrained when dry conditions affect a large area, so farmers should discuss possible requirements with livestock agents or processors in advance.
Reduce fire risk
Dry vegetation, low soil moisture, high temperatures and strong winds can increase wildfire risk.
Rural properties can prepare by:
removing dry grass and other flammable material from around buildings and infrastructure
maintaining suitable fire breaks
checking access for emergency vehicles
checking firefighting equipment
considering water availability for firefighting
using lower-flammability plants near buildings and planted shade areas
monitoring fire danger and restrictions.
Before lighting any outdoor fire, check the current requirements through https://www.checkitsalright.nz.
