Winter-proof your farm
As we approach the winter months it’s important to be prepared for the challenges and uncertainties that come with unpredictable weather events.
TBFREE NEW Zealand is planning an aerial drop of 1080 this winter in Waipunga, near the Taupo-Napier highway.
The target is about 1659ha of Whirinaki Forest, home to North Island brown kiwi, whio, kaka and threatened native bats. The area includes private, government and Maori-owned land.
TBfree NZ quotes DOC senior ranger Dave Wills as saying some of New Zealand’s rarest bird and plant species will benefit from the pest kill, chiefly of possums, rats and stoats.
“DOC is working with TBfree New Zealand to ensure the best results possible for native wildlife,” says Wills.
“A wide range of other forest birds, trees and wildlife also stand to benefit from the knockback of predators like possums, rats and stoats.”
TBfree Hawke’s Bay committee chairman Dennis Mitchell says the “battle against bovine TB has been waged in Hawke’s Bay for 25 years and currently there are no infected cattle or deer herds in the region”.
“We seek to methodically [kill] pests, especially possums, which can sustain the disease in wildlife.
“Effective pest [killing] in our rugged bush is vital to protect farmed livestock and export markets.”
Dennis Ward, of Ngatapu Station, a farmer and hunter, also favours the operation.
“When you look at
the practicalities of 1080 in improving the quality
of life of our native species, it’s a no-brainer,” Ward says.
“People don’t appreciate that possums, stoats, ferrets and rats… decimate our native bird populations.”
Research shows 1080 benefits native birds and forests, he says. “The evidence has convinced me that it is the best method, particularly in rugged terrain like the Waipunga area, where ground [kills are] impractical.”
“It is amazing to see the bush come alive with native birds following a 1080 operation.”
The drought breaking rain in Northland was greeted with much joy and delight by the more than 200 people who turned out last week for a field day at the farm of Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust near the east coast settlement of Whangaruru, about 70km from Whangarei.
Federated Farmers supports a review of the current genetic technology legislation but insists that a farmer’s right to either choose or reject it must be protected.
New Zealand’s top business leaders are urging the US Administration to review “unjustified and discriminatory tariffs” imposed on Kiwi exporters.
New tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump signal an uncertain future, but New Zealand farmers know how to adapt to changing conditions, says Auriga Martin, chief executive of Farm Focus.
A global trade war beckons, which is bad news for a small open economy like New Zealand, warns Mark Smith ASB senior economist.
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