M.I.A.
OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.
Pukekohe vegetable growers are adapting quickly to the new COVID-19 restrictions, says Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association president Kylie Faulkner.
“Some of the ruling looked impossible to start with – like the 2m distancing. But with a bit of Kiwi ingenuity we are overcoming it,” she says.
“Members were overwhelmed to start with but are adapting quickly.”
Vegetable growers are considered “essential services” by the Government and allowed to operate under the Level Four Alert lockdown.
Faulkner says it’s too early to say how the lockdown will affect vegetable supply.
“I believe there is going to be less pressure on green vegetables due to the independent fruit and vege shops being closed.
“However, it all depends on individual businesses and their capabilities with staff and other things over these times – that is, some may lose staff due to having to look after children at home.”
An unusual participant at the recent Royal A&P Show in Christchurch was a stand promoting a variety of European products, during an event that normally champions the homegrown.
Bradley Wadsworth lives on the family farm – Omega Station – in the Wairarapa about 30 minutes’ drive east from Masterton.
With global milk prices falling, the question is when will key exporting countries reach a tipping point where production starts to dip.
Rural contractors want the Government to include a national standard for air plans as part of its Resource Management Act reforms.
The biggest reform of local government in more than 35 years is underway.
An industry-wide project led by Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is underway to deal with the rising number of feral pests, in particular, browsing pests such as deer and pigs.

OPINION: Winston Peters has described the decision to sell its brand to Lactalis and disperse the profit to its farmer…
OPINION: The Hound reckons a big problem with focusing too much on the wrong goal - reducing livestock emissions at…