(Dow Jones) -- An extension of a drought classification in New Zealand's South Island suggests the lengthy duration of farmers' struggles with especially dry weather may start to have a wider impact on the economy. The formal request for the classification, which triggers government funding, came from community groups and was made to New Zealand's agriculture minister this week, according to a statement. Economists say the dry weather will crimp milk production, making New Zealand's bumper monthly trade surplus unsustainable. Milk comes after tourism as New Zealand's main export.
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