The meat processing industry is slowing gearing up again after cyclone Gabrielle hit Gisborne and Hawke's Bay.
Some farmers have been unable to move stock off their land ahead of winter, and communities are completely cut off, waiting for road repairs or bridge replacements that could be months away.
Sheep and beef farmer Patrick Crawshaw even had a plan to try to swim his cattle out.
Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva spoke to Guyon Espiner.
