A brief but devastating storm on October 23rd has left farmers in the Clydevale area of New Zealand facing at least a year of recovery work. The gale-force winds toppled trees, damaged kilometers of fencing, and narrowly missed livestock, causing significant disruption and financial strain.
Farm Families Face Extensive Repairs
Holly and Todd McCammon, who operate a 220-hectare sheep and beef farm, described the storm’s impact as equating to “at least a year’s work.” They watched as entire shelter belts fell, blocking access to their property. The McCammons have already spent approximately $25,000 on repairs, estimating that the total cost will likely reach $50,000. Like many in the agricultural community, their insurance does not cover the cost of fallen trees or fence repairs.
Simon and Camille McAtamney, who run a 540-hectare sheep farm nearby, estimate that thousands of trees have fallen within their forestry blocks. They are facing significant costs to log the damaged timber, with much of it now unsuitable for sale. The couple has secured a digger to clear shelter belts but are still awaiting fencing repairs.
Contractor Backlog Delays Recovery
The scale of the damage has created a significant backlog for logging and contracting services. Mike Hurring, of Mike Hurring Logging & Contracting in Balclutha, stated his crews are currently working on 25 properties, with another six underway and 87 still awaiting attention. He estimates it could take up to two years to clear the backlog, representing 150,000 tonnes of logs from private properties alone.
Hurring expressed concern about landowners attempting to clear debris themselves, warning of the dangers involved with using chainsaws in situations requiring heavy machinery. He advised, “If you think that something looks dangerous, then it is dangerous.” He is actively seeking to hire an additional 10 to 15 staff to address the demand, prioritizing farms where timber can still be salvaged.
Community-Wide Impact and Preparedness
The storm’s impact extends beyond individual farms. The Clutha District Council reports that the cost of repairing damaged community amenities has reached $991,000. Council response manager Sharon Jenkinson stated that clearing parks could take months, and the focus remains on supporting residents. The event has prompted a review of emergency preparedness, with plans to increase the council’s supply of generators and battery-operated communications technology.
To date, 21 people have applied for financial support through the Clutha District Council’s mayoral relief fund, which remains open for donations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the damage to farms in the Clydevale area?
Gale force winds on October 23rd toppled trees and damaged fencing on numerous farms in the area.
How long will it take to fully repair the damage?
Farmers estimate it could take up to two years to fully repair the damage, with some repairs still pending due to contractor backlogs.
Is financial assistance available for affected farmers?
The Clutha District Council’s mayoral relief fund is available to provide financial support to those affected by the storm.
As communities begin the long process of recovery, what steps can be taken to better prepare for future extreme weather events?
