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North Canterbury farmers are near the end of their tether dealing with a myriad of stresses on top of the drought.

The region missed out on recent rain which has taken pressure off farmers in central and southern Canterbury.

Rural Support Trust chairman Doug Archbold says on top of that, they're having to deal with new nitrate levels, a delay to the Hurunui water project, and low dairy payouts.

North Canterbury Trust Chairman Doug Archbold says these aren't problems that can be solved quickly.

"A lot of them know our representatives in their communities as well.

"This thing is going to go on for quite a while. It doesn't just stop when it rains - it'll go on until well into next season."

Archbold says it makes it all the more important they know the trust is out there.

"Called drought shouts, where farmers get together, they find that they've got other people that are affected.

"The really important thing in times like this is for people get off the farm if they can, talk to their neighbours and look out for one another."

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