There are concerns for farmers in North Canterbury as the region moves from drought to winter.
Feed cover is dry parts of the area are only around 50-60 percent of what they normally would be, meaning farmers could struggle if they get a big dump of snow.
Claire Ford, coordinator for the North Canterbury Rural Support Trust, says some farmers will be getting a phone call to check-in and see how they are getting on.
"Our calls just remind people of the support that is available, and give us a chance to get a feel for farmer wellbeing after a long lockdown period in drought," Ford said.
"Generally farmers seem to be doing well and their main concern is how they will cope for feed if they get a hard winter or a big dump of snow."
Winton Dalley, chair of the Hurunui Adverse Events Committee, said the region was in a "green drought".
Having learnt from past experiences, most farmers had acted early and prepared for the winter in time, he said.
However, he advised any newcomers to the region tap into local knowledge as much as possible if things get bad.
"If you are new to the district get some advice now from neighbours who've been in this situation in the past. An extreme snow event is a time when we see neighbours really pull together. There is still feed out there so get it now for winter."
Temperatures are expected to drop to as low as -5C in some parts of the South Island over the weekend, with snow forecast in some mountain areas.
