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OPINION: It's not just a rural banking inquiry that farmers want. Freshwater farm plans are another major headache for farmers.
Describing the current framework as "a complete dog", Feds complain that it is incredibly expensive to write, certify and audit the plans.
To make matters worse, the rules go too far and capture all properties over 20ha, and existing industry or council farm plans are not recognised, creating a frustrating level of duplication with most farmers still required to get a resource consent. in addition to their farm plan.
Federated Farmers wants the Government to put in place a practical, pragmatic and effective system that will improve environmental outcomes while reducing the regulatory burden and unnecessary cost. Now that the Government has finished its first 100-day plan, there is hope attention will turn to righting this flawed plans framework.
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.
Federated Farmers has confirmed interim chief executive Mike Siermans to the role.
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
OPINION: With Freshwater Farm Plan (FWFP) regulations imminent, growers need practical, funded support now – not just more paperwork.
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to highlight the most troublesome farm pests – a serious issue that needs some urgent attention from the Beehive.
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.
New tractor deliveries for 2025 jumped 10% compared to the previous year, a reflection of the positive primary sector outlook, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA).
Entries have opened for two awards in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme, aimed at helping young farmers progress to farm ownership.
Federated Farmers has confirmed interim chief executive Mike Siermans to the role.
Registrations are now open for the 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic, with all proceeds from the event set to support the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust.
OPINION: When it comes to New Zealand's foreign relations, Foreign Minister Winston Peters likes to make all the big calls;…
OPINION: Another example of the dairy sector getting shortchanged in free trade deals?
