Cameron Henderson Reappointed Unopposed as DairyNZ Deputy Chair
DairyNZ deputy chair Cameron Henderson has been re-appointed unopposed for another term.
The Government has extended the deadline for submitting on its freshwater discussion document: farmers say the two-week extension isn’t enough.
Late on Friday, Environment Minister David Parker issued a statement saying submissions will be accepted up to two weeks after the official October 17 deadline.
The six week consultation period that was set is the routine timeframe used for submissions to select committees.
“In response to requests, I confirm that the Government will accept submissions up to 5pm on October 31.”
DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle welcomed the announcement - but is calling on Parker to go further.
“A two-week extension is a step in the right direction, but our concerns remain the same. Farmers still need more time to consider the Government’s proposal and to carefully weigh up the impact it may have on their farms, families, and communities,” Mackle said.
“It’s great that the Minister has listened to farming representatives like DairyNZ and Federated Farmers, but we are calling on the Government to go further and extend consultation out to 12 weeks.
“That would allow farmers, and the rest of New Zealand, enough time to properly engage in the process. It might not be good politics, but it might just lead to good policy” Mackle concluded.
Farmgate lamb prices are down by 8%, beef cattle by 4.5% and farm expenditure up by 4.2%.
Kiwifruit growers are watchful but remain optimistic as concerns around the potential effects of the El Niño weather pattern this season.
Almond hulls sourced from Australian orchards may have the potential to help New Zealand cows reduce emissions, boost milk yield and lower input costs.
Striking a balance between meeting the needs of industry to speed up approval time for products but on the other hand ensuring that risks are properly assessed.
Surprised, humbled and quite thrilled. That’s the reaction of James Allen, one of the founding partners and now chief executive of AgFirst, on being made a life member of the Institute of Rural Professionals.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.