increase font size
Photos - the authenticity of which are unknown - show that not all farmers are following winter grazing rules to the fullest.
OPINION: Just as Southland farmers were receiving praise from local authorities on their improved winter grazing practices, new photos surfaced of cows knee-deep in mud.
While there is debate about the authenticity of the latest photos, reportedly taken by environmental activist Geoff Reid, the truth remains that not all farmers are following winter grazing rules to the fullest.
Sadly, it is this small group of farmers who are trashing the reputation of hundreds of others doing the right thing.
Such farmers are only providing ammunition to activists roaming dairy paddocks with cameras and drones hoping to find distressed cows lying in mud and reigniting the debate on banning winter grazing practices.
Let's not let a few reckless farmers, and a group of equally reckless environmental lobbyists, take the gloss off the excellent work many farmers are doing.
Environment Southland reported that its first aerial compliance inspection for the month confirmed that farmers have prepared well for winter grazing.
The flight focused largely on the Mataura and upper Oreti catchments, and only three landowners were identified as potentially having some issues that need a closer look on-farm.
"These flights help to reinforce that what's being seen from the road isn't always reflective of a breach of rules or environmental damage," council chief executive Rob Phillips says.
"Farmers are working hard and understanding the situation and making a real effort to improve things. This sustained improvement is something that Southland, as a whole, can be proud of."
Otherwise, all it will take is for a camera, a drone or even a fixed-wing aircraft, to take some shots of your farm and hand them over to dairy-hating, anti-farming environmentalists who to continue their farcical campaign against the industry.
The Government has deferred regulations to improve waterways and animal welfare until 2022. In return, farmers agreed to make immediate improvements as a compromise for the delay.
The new photos show not all farmers are putting their shoulders to the wheel. Let's not take the foot off the pedal when it comes to improving winter grazing practices.
Don't give these activists any chance of another photo of a cow lying in mud!
OPINION: Feds Southland 'pres' Jason Herrick and colleagues who continue the good fight against bureaucratic madness on behalf of farmers, have had another win - for now, at least - getting a court decision granting a 'stay' on rules in the Southland Water and Land Plan until changes can be made to section 70 of the RMA by central goverment, somtheing they clearly signaled after the election.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes a recent court decision which granted a stay on rules in the Southland Water and Land Plan until legislative changes can be made by government.
Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick says farmers are prepared for winter grazing every year.
OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.
Southland Farmers will be breathing a sigh of relief that central Government is stepping in to stop Environment Southland from introducing unworkable and expensive new farming rules.
Recent rain has offered respite for some from the ongoing drought.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.
For Wonky Box co-founder Angus Simms, the decision to open the service to those in rural areas is a personal one.
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
OPINION: Should Greenpeace be stripped of their charitable status? Farmers say yes.
OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.
