Banks are providing some much needed support to New Zealand's dairy industry during a period of low prices, a survey from Federated Farmers has revealed.

Only 6.6 per cent of dairy farmers say they have come under undue pressure from banks over their mortgage, while just 5.7 per cent are dissatisfied over their mortgages and as little as 3.1 per cent are unhappy about the quality of communication from banks over the past three months.

Photo: File.

Across all farming industries, the level of dissatisfaction over mortgages is even less, with 5.5 per cent saying they have come under undue pressure in this area and 3.5 per cent unhappy with how banks are communicating with them.

The survey was conducted during the week following Fonterra's announcement on August 7 of a forecast payout to farmers of $3.85 per kilogram of milk solids.

Federated Farmers President Dr William Rolleston says the organisation took the step because it was vital the industry knew exactly what level of support it was receiving.

'The support of banks is absolutely critical in these market conditions,” admits Dr Rolleston. 'They have the ability to make a significant difference to farmers, the industry and the economy if they work constructively and take a long term view.

'The high levels of satisfaction our survey has identified are extremely encouraging for the dairy industry, but at the same time it's concerning that some farmers are coming under pressure from banks.

'We are following this up and continue to urge banks to stand by the industry. A repeat of this survey in November will tell us whether they have.”

The Federated Farmers survey also found that 25 per cent of dairy farmers do not have a detailed budget for the current season. This compares with 33 per cent of all farmers.

'More than 10 per cent do not have a mortgage and many more have very low levels of debt,” he adds, 'so this is not entirely surprising.

'However, we remind farmers that, particularly in difficult market conditions, it is important to review your budgets and obtain expert advice from your bank, accountant and farm advisor.”

New Zealand Bankers' Association Chief Executive Kirk Hope says it is helpful to have the survey by Federated Farmers confirm that banks are working closely with dairy farmers to help them navigate tough times.

'There's a range of measures available across the banking sector,” says Kirk, 'and banks will continue to provide assistance according to the particular circumstances involved.

'Two-way communication in times of financial stress is essential, and the survey overwhelmingly shows that's happening on the ground. This helps farmers facing challenges to act early and have a plan and a budget in place, which is what's needed to get through.”

The Federated Farmers Banking Survey was completed by 1,300 farmers around New Zealand (over half of them in the dairy industry). Click here for a breakdown of results by region and farming industry.