MPI's worried about farmers battling a South Island feed shortage for farm animals

The ministry's offering feed planning as part of a 4.7 million dollar recovery package following heavy floods in Canterbury, Tasman and the West Coast since May.

Farming support director Nick Story says a long drought on the back of flooding has put more pressure on feed supplies heading into calving and lambing.

He says some dairy farmers might need to lease out cows and a clear feed plan will help them avoid animal welfare issues.