WELLINGTON, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Minister of Agriculture Damien O'Connor on Wednesday asked officials to keep a close watch on how farmers and growers are managing in dry conditions, as the hot start to summer affects soil moisture levels across the country.
"Farmers and growers in many of our regions are experiencing lower than normal soil moisture levels for this time of year," O'Connor said, adding that farmers are planning ahead to manage stock, feed and water if they don't get some decent rainfall over the next few weeks.
"Local knowledge is essential, and our Ministry of Primary Industry (MPI) analysts in each area work with their local farmers and groups to keep an eye on how climate conditions around the country are affecting rural communities," he said.
MPI works closely with groups, including Rural Support Trusts, regional councils, local civil defense emergency management groups and other government agencies to gather information, the minister said.
Below normal rainfall is expected for most of New Zealand for at least the next 10 days with perhaps only localized exceptions, said the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) meteorologist Chris Brandolino.
"It's distinctly possible that much of the country will experience below normal rainfall through to the Christmas holiday period, and December temperatures are very likely to remain above average for all of New Zealand and the summer season as a whole," Brandolino said.
Particular hotspots are found across some North Island regions, as well as much of the South Island with the exception of parts of Central Otago due to last week's thunderstorms, according to NIWA.
Farmers and growers are suggested to call their local Rural Support Trust for a chat.
