Tuesday, 17 September 2024 14:25

Clarity needed

Written by Milking It

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: This month, the government announced a pause to the rollout of the national farm plan system.

However, Environment Southland’s message to farmers is: start pulling together the information for farm plans now.

So, what should farmers do? Stop work on their respective farm plans or carry on as urged by ES?

This confusion isn’t helping the farming sector. The Government must move quickly with changes to the Resource Management Act that will put a stop to councils like ES working on freshwater farm plans, already a requirement in the Southland Water and Land Plan.

Everyone agrees that we need a farm plan system that is practical and cost-effective and based on specific farm conditions. So, why the confusion?

More like this

Preparing for new freshwater plans

OPINION: With Freshwater Farm Plan (FWFP) regulations imminent, growers need practical, funded support now – not just more paperwork.

Simon Upton urges cross-party consensus on New Zealand environmental goals

Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton is calling for cross-party consensus on the country's overarching environmental goals.

Government issues warning on RMA compliance

The Government has issued a stern warning to regional councils and unitary authorities to toe the line in respect upcoming changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA).

Working with farmers to ensure best outcomes

OPINION: Recent media commentary from Southland Federated Farmers has raised concerns among our rural communities, particularly around Environment Southland’s approach to winter grazing inspections and nitrogen reporting. But let’s be clear, much of what’s been said simply doesn’t reflect reality.

Environment Southland rejects claims of $4000 farmer invoices for winter grazing checks

Claims that some Southland farmers were invoiced up to $4000 for winter grazing compliance checks despite not breaching rules are being rejected by Environment Southland.

Featured

New Zealand native tree study strengthens Bioeconomy Science Institute’s forestry leadership

A New Zealand-first native tree study has highlighted the Bioeconomy Science Institute's position as a forestry research leader.

Rubisco to relocate hemp fibre processing to Ashburton in $30m expansion

Hemp fibre processor Rubisco is relocating its core processing facility to Ashburton as part of a $20-$30 million expansion to leverage what it says is an accelerating global demand for sustainable and renewable fibres.

Tradition and technology converge at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo

Tradition meets some of the latest in technology at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.

Editorial: Indian FTA is great news

OPINION: Trade Minister Todd McClay and the trade negotiator in government have presented Kiwis with an amazing gift for 2026 - a long awaited and critical free trade deal with India.

Government taps Nathan Guy as Agricultural Trade Envoy

Former Agriculture Minister Nathan Guy says he's excited about his new role as NZ's Special Agricultural Trade Envoy.

Horticulture leader Dr Stuart Davis remembered for lasting legacy

A pillar of New Zealand's horticultural industry, Dr Stuart Davis, was farewelled at a well-attended funeral service in Tuakau, South Auckland, on December 18.

National

Fonterra capital return could boost GDP – ANZ Report

The Fonterra divestment capital return should provide “a tailwind to GDP growth” next year, according to a new ANZ NZ report,…

Fonterra upgrades Eltham cheese production for global growth

Fonterra's Eltham site in Taranaki is stepping up its global impact with an upgrade to its processed cheese production lines,…

Michelle Pye elected to Fonterra board

Canterbury farmer Michelle Pye has been elected to Fonterra’s board for a three-year term.

Government plan to scrap regional councils faces criticism

Government plans to get rid of regional councillors shows a lack of understanding of the fundamental problem affecting all of…

Lactose to join fat and protein in Fonterra milk price model

For over 20 years, Whakatane farmer Gerard Van Beek has been attending Fonterra annual general meetings with the same message…

Machinery & Products

Case IH Unveils New RB6 Round Balers & 2026 Square Baler Upgrades

Case IH has released details of its all-new round balers and redesigns to its large square balers aimed at increasing…

How to Improve Milking Efficiency in Swing-Over Herringbone Sheds

The swing-over herringbone is the most common dairy type in New Zealand, used on 69% of dairy farms. Simple changes…

Claas Jaguar 1000 Series sets new forage harvesting world record

The recently released Claas Jaguar 1000 Series has seen its flagship 1200 set a new official Guiness World Record in…

CB Norwood appoints John Skurr as new general manager

CB Norwood Distributors Limited has announced the appointment of John Skurr to the position of general manager.

AIMER, Bovonic and Herd-i join forces to advance NZ dairy tech

Three New Zealand agritech companies are set to join forces to help unlock the full potential of technology.

» Latest Print Issues Online

Visit archives

Clarity needed

More like this

Preparing for new freshwater plans

Simon Upton urges cross-party consensus on New Zealand environmental goals

Government issues warning on RMA compliance

Working with farmers to ensure best outcomes

Environment Southland rejects claims of $4000 farmer invoices for winter grazing checks

Popular Reads

Early drought fears ease in Hawke’s Bay, but caution remains

Farmers more satisfied with banks, but confidence remains below 2017 levels

Environment Canterbury promotes on-farm composting as a practical alternative to offal pits

Glut in global milk supply keeping prices down

Nathan Guy is the new special agricultural trade envoy

Featured

New Zealand native tree study strengthens Bioeconomy Science Institute’s forestry leadership

Rubisco to relocate hemp fibre processing to Ashburton in $30m expansion

Tradition and technology converge at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo

Editorial: Indian FTA is great news

Government taps Nathan Guy as Agricultural Trade Envoy

Horticulture leader Dr Stuart Davis remembered for lasting legacy

National

Fonterra capital return could boost GDP – ANZ Report

Fonterra upgrades Eltham cheese production for global growth

Michelle Pye elected to Fonterra board

Government plan to scrap regional councils faces criticism

Lactose to join fat and protein in Fonterra milk price model

Machinery & Products

Case IH Unveils New RB6 Round Balers & 2026 Square Baler Upgrades

How to Improve Milking Efficiency in Swing-Over Herringbone Sheds

Claas Jaguar 1000 Series sets new forage harvesting world record

CB Norwood appoints John Skurr as new general manager

AIMER, Bovonic and Herd-i join forces to advance NZ dairy tech

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Trump's tariffs

Tanker on the roll

» eNewsletter

Clarity needed

More like this

» Latest Print Issues Online

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter