During the last 15 days NIWA climate maps show above average rainfall in all areas north of Otago as the drought is finally over in the north.
Some western areas in the far north are still looking for more but the patterns that have brought drought weather appear to have changed.
Mild conditions have seen grass growth rates ease into autumn mode but lack of sunshine in central NZ is the cost of this wetter period.
FE spore counts have been increasing rapidly and preventative measures and vigilant survelliance will be needed.
In areas recovering from the drought, farmers are being urged to allow pastures to properly recover before grazing, while in the south advisers are reminding a careful watch on BCS is important as milk is harvested right to the end of the season.
Winter feed crops look to be in excellent shape in the South Island and farmers should have secured arrangements by now and rechecked yields.
Good news from the monitoring of the Manawatu river with improving quality readings showing that the concerted effort by both farmers and urban communities that live near this river has produced the results needed.
The last dairy auction fell again, this time by 2.6% to have powder prices at 13 month lows, and cheese, anhydrous milk fat, and butter at yearly lows as the strong autumn volumes put pressure on prices.
Oceania prices are also falling with the auction as a readjustment takes place and the ever rising currenct accentuates the fall in farm gate prices.
Some bank analysts are suggesting these latest falls in dairy prices will affect the payout but only slightly and predict next years price level will be back by at least 70c/kg and more if the currency stays stronger for longer.
A $26.5 million dairy demonstration farm and science facility is planned in Southland as the south hits back at agricultural science cuts in their areas.
The spring storms irrigation bill is costed at about $15 million as farmers cope with a more volatile climate and the need to insure their valuable assets.
Scientists report that they have identified the gene that affects milk composition levels so breeding for low fat milk could become a real possibility in the future.
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