INTRODUCTION
Major snowfalls such that occurred in 1945, 1967, 1973 and 1992 are almost certain to occur again in Canterbury. Unfortunately their timing is unpredictable, as is their severity. Modern day livestock losses pale into insignificance when compared to the losses which occurred in the 1895 snowfall where individual losses of up to 20000 sheep (98% of the flock) have been reported (Vance, W.1980; High Endeavour). While the disastrous stock losses of the 1895 snows were associated with overstocking, lack of supplementary feeding and difficult access, modern day technology still has difficulty in coping with snows which occur at the peak of lambing such as the 1967 snow or the August 1992 snow. The impact of the July and August snows in 1992 was particularly severe as the two snowstorms occurred within 6 weeks of each other and followed a very dry autumn with sheep in poorer condition than usual. The July snow fell mainly on inland areas from the Kakanui Hills in North Otago to Inland Kaikoura but also covered the high plains areas. Stock losses were high, supplementary feed exhausted and the survivors in poor condition. Then followed the August snow, accompanied by blizzard conditions, which also affected most of the east coast. Snow covered the land from high altitude to sea level leaving large drifts which buried livestock and made access extremely difficult. Banks Peninsula was particularly badly affected, an area not normally subject to snow at lower altitudes.
Stock losses were particularly high with estimates of a million lambs lost and half-million ewe deaths as a result of the 1992 snows. Estimates of financial cost to the region have been as high as $100m (MAF Policy 1992). Methods whereby losses could be reduced could be very cost effective, especially if savings can be achieved using better planning or low cost management systems. Although the attitude of some farmers is that the 1992 snows are a one in fifty-year event, the possibility that they could happen again is very real. Similarly, some farmers consider that snows are too unpredictable to plan for. While the July and August snows were very different in their nature and shelter, for example, did not always produce the desired effect in the August snows, there are many farmers who firmly believe that having a plan of action is essential for low livestock losses.
It is apparent that although subjected to similar amounts of snow, some farmers were better able to cope than others. Tins observation prompted the setting up of the present survey, the purpose of which is to identify successful actions taken by farmers, management practices which were associated with lower losses and to record farmers recommendations on how to best minimise the impact of future snows. In addition, the survey will attempt to determine their needs for assistance (labour, machinery, helicopters) in future snows and their choice as to the preferred body to organise and supply this support. It will also attempt to identify the strengths and weaknesses of these organisations and how they could be improved.
Contact for Enquiries
North Island
Phil Journeaux
Manager
North Island Regions
Sector Performance Policy
MAF Policy
Private Bag 3123
Hamilton
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 7 957 8314
Fax: +64 7 957 8315
South Island
John Greer
Regional Team Leader
Natural Resources Group
MAF Policy
PO Box 20 280
Christchurch
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 3 943 1703
Fax: +64 3 943 1757
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