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, Phil talks of a more El Niño-like weather pattern starting to form with more high pressure, more westerlies coming into the New Zealand area.

Then special guest Jo Grigg, a sheep and beef farmer and grape grower at Tempello, gives an update on the very ‘menopausal' weather Marlborough is experiencing, while certainly showing signs of drying off and what farmers are doing to prepare.

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.

Phil Duncan delves into the spring that was and how the ‘broken’ El Niño system has favoured Kiwi farmers. He also explains why some areas are getting so much rain at the moment, and why some weather reports seem far off the mark.

Then special guest AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad unpacks the results from November’s Livestock Outlook, the unusual market activity and what to expect if the country does go dry in the new year.

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, Phil Duncan talks of moving into a classic El Niño pattern of wetter in the west and drier in the east.

Suz and Phil are joined by North Waikato farmer Neil Bateup, who is also chair of Rural Support Trust. Neil talks of making the most of the current neutral farm situation, exploring options and not being afraid to make decisions.

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 WeatherWatch forecaster Phil Duncan talks about a ‘broken’ El Niño and how that is causing some unusual weather patterns, which are not necessarily a bad thing for New Zealand farmers.

The implications of Cyclone Lola are also under the spotlight, as well as a few frosts to watch out for.

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.

In the inaugural episode of the El Niño Watch series, host Suz Bremner chats with Phil Duncan. Duncan talks listeners through the current state of El Niño and its impact on normal spring weather patterns.
Special guest AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad also provides insight on the current livestock market and what impacts may be seen as the El Niño weather pattern develops.

El Niño Watch is brought to you by Farmers Weekly and FMG – we’re here for the good of the country.

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.