Feed project to help livestock farmers prepare for drought

Dairy and sheep farmers are to receive drought-tolerant grass under a government pilot project aimed at securing animal feed supplies ahead of a potentially very strong El Niño event extending into next year.

The initiative comes amid concerns about a shortage of hay and other forage, with dry conditions and pasture fires contributing to reduced availability earlier this year.

The Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday launched a high-quality forage pilot project, which is expected to benefit between 10 and 15 farmers. Forage, the plant material consumed by animals, includes grasses, legumes and shrubs, which provide nutrients to support livestock production.