Green but not much grass!
Dairy farmers in the lower North Island are working on protecting next season, according to Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre, who farms just north of the Horowhenua township of Levin.
Farmers are being urged to get involved in the upcoming local authority elections.
Federated Farmers' spokeswoman on local government, Katie Milne, says local government elections are vitally important for farming on many levels, and she is encouraging farmers to make their voices heard.
"It is crucial that farmers get involved in holding their councils to account. This includes being engaged on the issues and when the time comes making an informed vote.
"It’s also important that we get good candidates, including farmers and other business-minded people, to stand for election," she says.
"It’s a challenging role but farmers can make a difference on councils, informing and educating [other councilors] about what happens on-farm, which is crucial for getting sensible, workable outcomes."
Milne says that the way local government is funded, by property value based rates, has a big impact on farms' financial viability.
"The average farm now pays well over $10,000 per year in rates and rates are often in the top half dozen farm expenses. As a fixed cost there is no way for farms to cut it back, short of selling up, during downturns like the current one."
Local Government NZ has published a guide for candidates, and has launched a campaign to boost flagging voter numbers.
Federated Farmers will produce a local elections manifesto on key issues farmers and candidates should think about.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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