The Rural Support Trust said farmers are preparing for the worst while hoping for the best as the El Nino weather pattern intensifies.

LISTEN: KPMG Agribusiness specialist Brent Love speaks to KPMG Early Edition about El Nino

The Ministry of Primary Industries is sending out pamphlets with practical advice on how farmers can prepare for the drier weather.

It encourages farmers to have a plan and to make decisions early on, to implement a feed budget and to use irrigation water efficiently.

Rural Support Trust coordinator Julie Jonker said its a time for farmers and those who own lifestyle blocks to check in on each other:

"What we've been trying to say is look, let's all know that we're all going through hard times, this is going to push the limits again so let's just be aware of each other and keep an eye out for your neighbours and just be aware of yourself as well."

Jonker said it'll definitely be a blow to farmers and some may call it a day.

But Julie Jonker said people like the lifestyle choice of farming and they "really do hang on for grim-death."

The east coast of the South Island is still officially in drought.