Two new awards open to help young farmers progress to farm ownership
Entries have opened for two awards in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme, aimed at helping young farmers progress to farm ownership.
A company that makes fence posts from 100% recycled plastics has won an innovation award at the NZ National Fieldays.
Future Post says its product boasts a stronger build with more durability than traditional fence post designs.
Judges at Fieldays innovation awards said this product provides a way for farmers to participate in addressing what is a massive environmental problem for New Zealand.
“This is a positive and potential game changing step towards dealing with New Zealand’s plastic recycling challenge,” they said. The company won the Fieldays Launch NZ Award.
Future Post was founded in the time-honoured kiwi way of trying to find an ingenious solution for a challenging problem. While attempting to build a fence on an old rubbish dump site, Jerome Wenzlick found his wooden fence posts were breaking as he tried ramming them through all the waste plastic in the ground.
With a passion for the environment, Jerome had the revelation that if he could build a stronger fence post from waste plastic, he’d also help solve a bigger environmental problem. Soon after, a chance meeting with Bindi Ground, a farmer with previous experience in recycling and repurposing products, led to a business partnership and a commitment to produce premium fencing products that perform better and lasts for longer.
Future Post works closely with Fonterra; getting recycled Anchor milk bottles to make their product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.
New Zealand's new Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Horowhenua dairy farmer, company director and former Minister of Agriculture, Nathan Guy says the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India is a good deal for the country.
New figures show dairy farmers are not only holding on to their international workforce, but are also supporting those staff to step into higher-skilled roles on farm.
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