Farmers are reporting that their crops, livestock, and livelihoods are suffering as Cyclone Gabrielle tears through the North Island.

Cyclone Gabrielle's severe wind and rain has disrupted daily tasks, damaged crops, and knocked out power, forcing farmers to relay on generators.

The Country's Jamie Mackay says dairy farmers are being hit hard, as the drawn-out power cuts prevent them from milking their cows.

Jamie Mackay suspects that gallons of milk will have to be dumped, as farmers won't be able to get their stock to distributors. 

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