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.”
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.

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