Adverse events: prepare, respond, recover

Cows will generally adjust to a return to routine milking frequency with minimal impact on production. While short-term spikes in somatic cell count (SCC) are likely; these should settle within 2–5 days once normal milking resumes. However, new cases of clinical mastitis will occur.

Management suggestions:

• Ensure cows are fully milked out at every milking. Where possible, have someone monitor cups-off.
• Check teat spraying is operating correctly. Consider reverting to manual teat spray to ensure complete coverage.
• Closely monitor for new cases of clinical mastitis risk and follow proper hygiene and treatment protocols.
• Track SCC levels and consult your milk processor and vet if levels remain elevated or breach grading thresholds.

For more information, see the following:

• Missed milkings
• Mastitis

A sharp drop in dry matter intake (DMI) at the start of mating is likely to affect both reproduction and milk production. However, research shows this can return to normal after six weeks of restored DMI. Additional trace element supplementation (Selenium, Cobalt, Copper) may be required, especially if feed has changed significantly. Pushing back the start of mating by a limited period of time will not have a significant impact on next season's milking production.

Management options:

• If relying on heat detection technology and facing power or Wi-Fi issues, use tail paint as a backup.
• Identify non-cycling cows early and discuss treatment options with your vet.
• Consider using compact calving and short gestation semen in weeks 3–6 to tighten next season’s calving spread, and/ or extend mating slightly with short gestation semen in the final weeks.
• Prioritise body condition score, particularly where there has been significant impact on feeding, water supply, milking and mineral supplementation. Where possible offer lighter cows preferential feeding options.

For more information, see the following:

• Reproduction and mating
• Extending the AB period
• Automated heat detection
• Non-cycling cows

Some cows may have missed mineral supplementation for several days, but long-term impact is likely to be minimal. Lack of magnesium or calcium may affect recently calved cows and milkers short-term, but long-term effects are unlikely. Where diets have been restricted, restoring energy balance is crucial to minimise health issues. Be aware of a higher risk of down cows. Restoring feeding levels will help cows return to normal routine and overcome the stress of the event.

There may be an increased percentage of lameness, particularly if cows have had to walk longer distances to alternative milking facilities.

Management options:

• Ensuring cows return to a pre-event level of feeding (where practicable).
• Resume mineral and magnesium supplementation as soon as possible.
• Supplement trace elements (Selenium, Cobalt, Copper) if feed has changed significantly or if local deficiencies exist - consult your vet.
• If water-based supplementation isn’t possible, consider magnesium oxide dusting or adding magnesium slurries to feed. Lime flour can be used for high-risk cows.
• Be aware of an increased risk of down cows and lameness. Monitor and treat appropriately.

For more information, see the following:

• Animal health
• Trace elements
• Ketosis
• Lameness

Assess the proportion of the farm that can continue to be irrigated and the realistic timeframe to return to a fully irrigated farm system to calculate the impact on feed supply. Repairs will likely be prioritised based on the ability to maintain some irrigation, and parts availability. Engage with your insurance provider early to notify them of your intent to claim.

Managing feed supply and irrigation repairs:

• Explore temporary fixes or modified pivot operations, or alternative irrigation methods such as Roto-Rainers, K-lines, or guns where immediate repairs are not feasible.
• If effluent application has been impacted by damaged pivots, explore other application options (e.g., travelling irrigator) and check consent requirements / notify your local regulatory body before proceeding.
• Estimate growth rates and build a feed budget based on the expected irrigation downtime.
• Plan to address feed deficits through reduced stocking rates (including OAD milking, culling low performing cows and or known culls), and/or purchasing cost-effective supplementary feed.
• Consider rapid establishment of summer crops to utilise current soil moisture - including maize for greenfeed or silage, chicory or brassicas and if soil temperatures and moisture permit, sorghum.

For more information, see the following:

• Drought
• Crops
• Irrigation
• Summer management
• Feed budgets
• Supplements overview

DISCLAIMER: The State of Emergency declared in the Southland and Otago regions is subject to being lifted at any time. It is recommended to contact your Regional or District Council in the first instance to confirm the regional emergency status level.

Regional councils have recognised recent weather events and the challenges these have created for farmers. It is important to stay up to date with your regional council’s guidance, as advice and compliance approaches may change as conditions evolve. Consider environmental impacts in all decisions.

To manage the impacts safely and responsibly:

• Contact the regional council and your milk processor if the weather events prevent you from meeting normal consent conditions and work proactively with the regional council.
• If you need to carry out urgent actions, keep records and photos outlining what was done, why it was necessary, and how you mitigated or managed environmental impacts.
• Monitor council communications to stay up to date on the guidance and compliance approach, particularly as conditions and responsibilities change back to normal and the need for emergency action reduces.

Management options:

• If food-grade milk cannot be collected, pump it into your effluent pond and notify your compliance team. If needing to spread directly to land, it is important to dilute milk before application.
• If ponds are full and soils are wet, irrigate carefully to avoid runoff into tile drains or waterways. Notify your compliance team.
• Keep records and photos of actions taken, reasons, and the steps you have taken to minimise environmental impact.
• Check your Regional Council website for any update(s).

For more information, see the following:

• Environment Southland - October weather event support
• Otago Regional Council - consents and compliance
• ORC recognises challenges for farmers as power outages persist
• Environment Canterbury - what you need to know
• Hurunui District Council - adverse events

Be aware of the tension of down trees, powerlines and damaged irrigation infrastructure, and the safety risk that may be presented by these in the process of cleaning up.

Much of the clean-up work may involve machinery and heavy work, therefore it is important not to undertake work where there is an increased risk (inexperienced people completing tasks they haven’t been trained for). This is a safety risk.

• Make a list of the tasks that need to be completed and prioritise these. Allocate what can be completed in-house and what needs professional support.
• Only allocate jobs to trained and capable people; otherwise, contact professional service providers in the first instance.
• Where farm fencing has been damaged, consider the use of portable electric fence units and/or isolated areas where damage to fencing is impacting fence power to control livestock.

It’s normal to experience a range of emotions after an event like this. Acknowledge your feelings - this is a natural human response.

Some options:

• Write down actions/repairs and thoughts to ease mental load.
• If you or your team are struggling, reach out for support (e.g., Rural Support Trust).
• Consider a regular dairy team catch-up to manage and track tasks.
• Develop a recovery plan - with your farm team where applicable - to manage tasks and reduce pressure.
• Attend community events or host a team BBQ to reconnect.
• Once things settle, where possible, take time off-farm to recharge.
• Check in with neighbours - they may appreciate the support.
• Acknowledge the event’s impact, but try to look ahead with positivity, even if it’s difficult.

For more information, see the following:

• Farmer wellbeing
• Rural Support Trust

This event will likely affect both physical and financial farm performance. Consider how this may impact your overall operation and seek support early if needed.

Management options:

• Understand/quantify physical damage and financial implications, and what this means for farm performance.
• Revise cashflow and annual financial performance to include repair costs, loss of income, and any new expenses.
• Claim insurance for asset damage and income loss where applicable.
• Plan for uncovered costs and infrastructure repairs.
• If damage or lost income is likely to affect your cashflow, contact your bank and accountant as soon as possible for support with options around temporary overdrafts, interest only payments, or tax payments.
• Prioritise all spending and consider delaying any non-essential farm expenditure until the full impact of the damage to the farm is understood.

For more information, see the following:

• Budgeting

Early claims help speed up recovery. Insurance agents are prioritising support for the most affected regions - engage with them as soon as possible.

Management responses:

• Understand what is covered by and utilise insurance where possible for damage to assets and/or income.
• Notify your insurer or agent immediately about damage and intent to claim.
• Photograph all damage before moving anything.
• Create a list of damaged items that can be updated by the team to help track necessary repairs.
• Provide detailed evidence and repair/replacement estimates.
• For urgent repairs, retain replaced parts and original receipts.
• Coordinate with your insurer and authorised repairer.
• Understand repair timeframes and how they affect farm operations and make contingencies or alternative plans where applicable

For more information, see the following:

• Insurance claims checklist