Drought-affected farmers should talk to their banks said the New Zealand Bankers’ Association in response to increasingly dry conditions in parts of Northland and Waikato.
“We encourage any farmers facing hardship as a result of the lack of rain to contact their bank to discuss options for assistance and how they can work through these challenging conditions,” said New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Kirk Hope.
“Banks work very hard with customers who find themselves in financial difficulty. Farmers who are having trouble because of the drought should speak to their bank as soon as possible.
“Bank relationship managers work very closely with their rural clients and they understand individual farmers situation and will work with them based on their needs.
“As well as talking to their banks, farmers can also seek advice about managing dry conditions from Rural Support Trusts, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand,” Hope added.