increase font size
Field horsetail (pictured) is now widespread in parts of the North Island, the upper South Island and on the West Coast.
Federated Farmers are welcoming the application by Landcare Research to introduce the British weevil into New Zealand.
The beetle will act as a biological control against the invasive field horsetail weed, which affects pastoral production.
Field horsetail is now widespread in parts of the North Island, the upper South Island and on the West Coast. The British weevil has the ability to reduce the plant, control its spread and, importantly, would not pose a threat to any other plants.
"Federated Farmers is supportive of any efforts to introduce a proven biological control for a significant pest problem. We now await a final decision from the Environmental Protection Authority and hope their assessment paves the way for a green light," says Federated Farmers pest management spokesperson Chris Allen.
"This weevil gives us a chance to control a highly annoying pest. It will reduce farmers' reliance on chemical weed treatments and help improve the productivity of their pastures."
If approved by the Environment Protection Authority, the introduction of the British weevil will follow the successful use of a parasitoid wasp to control the clover root weevil, which a decade ago posed a significant threat to New Zealand's agricultural sector.
"Clover pasture is the basis of our pastoral farming system, so bringing that pest under control was – and remains – critically important. With the British weevil we now have a chance to achieve the same with the field horsetail weed," says Allen.
Ngai Tahu's legal action seeking self-determination (rangatiratanga) over fresh water could have huge implications for the future of farming, the viability of farming businesses, and our wider rural communities, says Federated Farmers national vice president Colin Hurst.
A survey of contract milkers in the dairy sector has revealed some shocking statistics - 43% of respondents reported abusive behaviour from a farm owner and a whopping 72% suffered a mental and/or financial setback in the role.
OPINION: The Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable is welcome, and long overdue.
There's been a positive response to the Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable.
Many contract milkers in badly drought affected regions around the country are coming under severe financial stress and farm owners are being urged to help them through a bad patch until the start of the new season.
Business Advisors and Accountants (BFA) and Craigs Investment Partners will be hosting an event later this month where they will take a deeper look at the practical and emotional side of succession planning.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) says the Government needs to close loopholes in the guidance around limits on carbon forestry as news of further whole-farm sales emerges.
Sales of premium brand Envy apples are booming in Taiwan.
Sheep milk powder and products exporter Maui Milk is partnering with one of China’s biggest dairy players to boost its market presence.
Ngai Tahu's legal action seeking self-determination (rangatiratanga) over fresh water could have huge implications for the future of farming, the viability of farming businesses, and our wider rural communities, says Federated Farmers national vice president Colin Hurst.
A Māori-owned agribusiness helping to turn a long-standing animal welfare and waste issue into a high-value protein stream for the dairy and red meat sectors wants more industry support.
OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…
OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.
