If in doubt, Bay of Plenty Farmers are urged to seek help from the region's rural support trust.
The Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust will facilitate government assistance for farmers after a drought was officially declared in the region on Tuesday.

Trust chairman Derek Spratt says if farmers are using their overdraft to survive, they should immediately phone the trust.
"But even if farmers are unsure, we would like to hear from them."
Through the trust, farmers can access government access which includes consultants, counsellors, tax relief and possibly WINZ benefits.
Derek says access to WINZ benefits will be issued on a "case by case basis".
"If we find they don't have enough income to cover reasonable living expenses, we will sign a form for them and they can access up to 100 per cent of the unemployment benefit."
"This will only happen in situations when they are struggling to put food on the table," says Derek.
Those who are given the WINZ benefit will have to reapply every month and their financial circumstances will be reassessed.
Farmers can contact Derek at the Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust on 07 5333764, 027 2276667 or 0800 RURAL HELP.

Click here to read about Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated's perspective on this drought.

Click here to read about Federated Farmers BOP's perespective on the drought.