Mark Cameron Steps Down, Reflects on Farmers' Voice
When Northland farmer Mark Cameron entered parliament six years ago, the Beehive was a lonely place.
OPINION: It's hard to tell if any MPs are genuinely representing farming and the rural sector these days.
The revolving door of opposition ag spokespeople at National, and Labour's continuous barrage of anti-farming legislation leaves Milking It convinced that the ag sector is being given second-class treatment in Wellington.
It was refreshing then to see ACT's sole rural MP, Ruawai dairy farmer Mark Cameron, putting the boot into the Government last week.
He is upset with the Government's moves to block his proposal to take management of environmental regulations out of Wellington and given to regional councils.
"As the only person in Parliament who is still actively farming, I understand more than anyone the pressure that is being put on rural New Zealand by this Government."
A lonely voice, but at least there's still one!
Rural New Zealand is welcoming the Government’s recent package of rural healthcare initiatives.
Interest in agritech and production animal systems has prompted Massey University's School of Agriculture and the Environment to new majors to its popular animal science degree.
Ballance Agrinutrients chief executive Kelvin Wickham says despite a tough year, he is pleased the business has returned to profit.
When Northland farmer Mark Cameron entered parliament six years ago, the Beehive was a lonely place.
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
New Zealand's pest problem has reached crisis point, according to Federated Farmers' second National Pests Survey, which shows farmers are spending more money and effort on control — yet pest numbers keep climbing faster than they were two years ago.
OPINION: After hogging the media limelight for telling a NZ Chinese MP to "go back home", Winston Peters has decided…
OPINION: With fuel prices soaring, one would have expected most farmers to be reclaiming excise duty on petrol.