Climatic Influence

Local micro-climate, terrain and soil types are the major factors that dictate individual pastoral farming patterns that have developed within the different districts which together make up the wider Hawke’s Bay farming region. This region is a long narrow portion of the North Island’s east coast, lying between the Pacific Ocean as its eastern boundary and to the west the imposing Ruahine and Kaweka Mountain Ranges.

Within Hawkes Bay there are subtle but significant climatic variations to be experienced (depending on the time of year) between the significantly wetter, cooler mountains and immediately adjacent countryside, through to drier, warmer inland and coastal areas. With localized exceptions however, much of Hawke’s Bay experiences a relatively (to much of New Zealand) short, cool winter and hot dry summer. Rainfall varies from between 700 and 800 mm per annum, but with a reliable distribution only between autumn and early summer.

This potential for summer drought is the major factor influencing pastoral farming practices within much of Hawke’s Bay. Normal limitations to summer pasture growth dictate that many hill country properties operate principally as “store” sheep and beef breeding units. In effect, depending on the individual growing season, a varying proportion of lambs and young cattle are likely to be sold for finishing on more intensive farms. Other properties, perhaps with better terrain and better developed pasture, are able to finish most or all stock on the property and in good seasons, purchase further “store” trading lambs and cattle for fattening.

The normal seasonal cyclic pasture growth pattern of short winters followed by spring and early summer growth, a (normally)mild summer drought followed by a critical two month period of autumn grass growth, has proven over many decades in Hawkes Bay to be ideal for healthy livestock breeding and rearing. Seasonal climatic variations tend to disrupt the life cycle of common animal parisites and diseases and for this reason Hawke’s Bay compares favorably with other New Zealand pastoral regions having higher year round rainfall patterns.

From the equitable Mediterranean climate, most Hawke’s Bay farms experience strong healthy pasture growth from early spring through to early winter. Over broad areas grass growth slows but does not entirely stop, even in mid winter, giving the District a deserved reputation as New Zealand’s best winter livestock country. Autumn droughts are fortunately rare, but did occur in Hawke’s Bay in 2006, a first in the experience of many younger farmers. Autumn droughts are serious events for pastoral farmers who rely on autumn pasture growth to build up livestock condition before winter, especially in breeding stock, as well as provide sufficient pasture reserves through to spring.

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