El Niño Watch with Farmers Weekly

In this last El Niño Watch podcast for 2023, Phil and Suz reflect on the 10-weeks of a broken El Niño and look ahead to the rest of December as longer dry periods, westerly winds and higher temperatures are on the cards. Karen Williams from FMG also joins the team again to talk about preparing for wildfires on farm and at the bach/cribs, and doubles down on the importance of the Stop & Pop campaign.

In this episode, Suz Bremner and Phil Duncan chat with FENZ wildfire manager Tim Mitchell as the country moves from an unsettled November to a drier pattern emerging through December. While there’s currently a low fire risk and NZ generally falls on the edge of El Niño and La Niña events, Phil explains why long range advice plays a key role in changing weather patterns.These weather pattern changes also have the potential to have more significant hot, dry windy conditions as the season progresses. Tim talks about how farmers and the public can prepare for a safer wildfire season.

In this episode, Phil Duncan reflects on a messy spring as dry spells increase and explains why the chaotic season will shorten the dry season when it comes.Suz and Phil are also joined by special guest Ivan Holloway, a senior veterinarian at VetLife in Timaru. Ivan talks of a benign spring in the South Island, which has been good for dairy cow health in terms of low mastitis rates, good cycling rates etc, but is cautious of what may be building as areas in the South Island are already starting to miss forecast rain. He also provides vital tips on how to keep stock happy and healthy in hot, dry conditions.

In this episode, special guest Steve Wyn Harris, a semi-retired Hawke’s Bay farmer, questions WeatherWatch NZ forecaster Phil Duncan on the El Niño weather system and shares his own experiences of farming through droughts, dating back to the 1982/83 event.

In this episode Phil Duncan from WeatherWatch explains why El Niño is a personality rather than a weather forecast and gives an update on what farmers around the country can expect heading into the long weekend.Special guest Karen Williams from FMG also gives sound advice on dealing with strong winds on-farm, and the ‘Stop and Pop’ campaign.

Join New Zealand’s premiere rural weather communicator Phil Duncan (WeatherWatch) and Hawke’s Bay farmer and AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner every Wednesday as they track the latest developments with the El Niño weather pattern and what this means for farmers.El Niño Watch is brought to you by Farmers Weekly and FMG – we’re here for the good of the country.