Plea for support for farmers as dry conditions continue in Canterbury 20 Apr, 2021 08:03 PM 2 minutes to read North Canterbury Rural Support Trust chair Gayle Litchfield said farmers are now in their second year of dryness. Photo / Supplied North Canterbury Rural Support Trust chair Gayle Litchfield said farmers are now in their second year of dryness. Photo / Supplied NZ Herald A farmer says government support for the sector may soon be essential. Niwa claims North Canterbury could be headed for an official drought and farmers in Banks Peninsula say it hasn't been this dry in 30 years. Read More Advertisement "It is very dry. Historically Canterbury is quite dry during the summer but last year was a drought as well and there was not enough recovery rain in the winter so everyone's gone into this summer on the back foot.