As El Niño conditions are set to intensify, lifestyle block owners are urged to prepare now, especially those with animals.

Earth Sciences New Zealand previously warned that this year’s El Niño conditions were likely to peak “as one of the strongest in recent history”.

With summer just over a month away, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) said it was providing “extra targeted support” for lifestyle block owners to help them prepare for the looming conditions.

MPI national response manager in agriculture and investment services, Andrew Curtis, said El Niño could increase the risk of drought and water scarcity.

He also said the conditions increased the risk of wildfires, heat-related human and animal health concerns and flooding.

“Dry weather can decrease grass growth. That means you might have to buy in extra feed, or reduce livestock numbers, to ensure your remaining animals have enough to eat,” Curtis said.

What to do to prepare

Curtis said Earth Sciences New Zealand anticipated the “significant El Niño” could influence weather patterns from this spring onwards.

This could mean less rainfall in the east of both islands and the upper North Island.

“We’re encouraging animal owners to be prepared. That could mean prioritising livestock for destocking early and booking in water tank refills in advance,” Curtis said.

It was important to ensure animals have access to clean water, shade and shelter, and are shorn before it gets too hot, he said.

“We often find people are underprepared, especially if they’re relatively new to owning livestock, or they haven’t been through a drought before.

“Owning animals, such as cattle, sheep and horses, is a big responsibility and comes with added obligations under the Animal Welfare Act,” Curtis said.

Before the most severe effects hit, the ministry said it was providing targeted support for owners to improve animal husbandry skills and animal welfare outcomes.

“We’ve developed a new web page that brings together a lot of information and resources specifically for lifestyle block owners,” Curtis said.

The website includes a seasonal calendar and fact sheet to support owners to prepare for dry weather.

“El Niño increases the risk of wildfires. We’ve included links to an emergency preparedness handbook and emergency plan template developed specifically for lifestyle block owners,” Curtis said.

“Veterinarians, rural professionals, neighbours, and rural communities are also a vital source of knowledge to help you prepare.”

This warning comes after a Canterbury farmer said he watched grass turn crispy within hours during a devastating drought nearly 40 years ago.

Environment Canterbury councillor and farmer John Sunckell said the 1987 drought was the worst he had experienced, with relentless northwesterly winds overwhelming the irrigation systems available at the time.

He was now preparing for another potentially punishing summer as El Niño conditions strengthen.