A Western Bay of Plenty farmer is slamming the government drought assistance package, saying more could be done.
Allen Coster is a beef and sheep farmer in the lower Kaimai Ranges and says like most farmers in the region, conditions are tough on his 240ha farm.

Sue and Allen Coster in better times on their Kaimai farm.

Bay of Plenty farmers can access government assistance after an official drought was declared in the region on Tuesday.
Farmers are able to access farm consultants, professional advice and counselling, provisional tax rebates and in some cases social welfare benefits.
But Allen says the assistance package will not make a difference and the government could do more.
"I don't think they are being very generous at all."
Allen is struggling for feed and has resorted to selling off his prime stock, which he would typically keep over winter.
He says many dairy farmers are choosing to sell their cows to meat companies because they are drying out, or failing to produce milk.
The surge of stock entering the market is dragging down the price companies will pay for meat, says Allen.
"I'm just managing to scrape through."