Quieter moving season

Moving Day could be quieter than usual this year with a drop in the movement to new farms for both cows and staff.

Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers president David Acland said dairy stock would still move between dairy farms and winter grazing this weekend.

But there appeared to be a drop in the planned change in dairy platforms around the district this year.

Acland said this was partly due to a lack of dairy expansion in the district and no new farms converting to dairy.

And partly due to farmers being more risk-averse in the current economic environment.

Acland said it was a time for getting on with the “nitty-gritty and being settled”.

Staffing was also more settled this year.

“Farmers don’t want to introduce risk.”

This included new farms and new staff or sharemilkers.

Acland said there were a lot dairy herds drying off this week and next week ahead of a move to winter grazing.

“We will see movement of animals on the road.”

Drivers should expect livestock being moved and motorbikes on the road herding them, or livestock trucks for longer distances.

For farms moving herds, Acland said it was important to wear high-viz gear and be visible. He also asked drivers to expect stock movements and to be patient on the road.

By Sharon Davis