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Mud surges up through the grass in Canterbury - Source: Supplied by Henry Huang -
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Federated Farmers says the farming community of Canterbury is definitely starting to get on top of the crisis in the quake-ravaged region.
On Sunday night, the association reported that three milking platforms were still incapable of operation but says contractors have shown great dedication to help farmers repair damaged equipment.
Multiple herds have been put through the working platforms to ensure the cows get at least one milking a day.
As mains power is being progressively restored, generators are being transferred to other farms in need so that every cowshed in North Canterbury is now functioning with power (either generator or mains).
Stock water remains an issue and Fed Farmers says it wants to hear from any farmers that need stock water or can offer assistance on 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646).
The earthquake has caused severe damage to 38 grain silos but with the generosity of fellow farmers, some 8,000 tonnes of storage capacity was quickly made available and farmers with damaged silos needing to secure storage can also contact Fed Farmers.
Tim Fulton from Farmers Weekly says damage throughout Kaiapoi and rural areas north of Christchurch is extensive for farmers.
"I've seen staggering scenes (of) soils that have just basically got no guts to them. they are spongey like you wouldn't believe" he told NZI Business today.
Fulton says dairy farmers have told him about their rotary milking platforms being jolted off their rollers in the shed. He described the damage to farms as "massive and long-lasting" but says the experience of heavy winter snows over the last few years have meant many farmers had already installed generators.
