A rollercoaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Agricultural contractors are reminded they must leave a buffer of at least 2m between waterways and areas cultivated for growing maize.
Maize cultivation – involving ploughing paddocks and planting seed – happens in spring. The Waikato Regional Council has been receiving reports of contractors failing to follow the 2m rule.
"The rule is aimed at preventing sediment and nutrients in the soil from getting into waterways, as this can affect water quality and the health of aquatic organisms," says programme manager Ross Wightman.
"Following the reports of some contractors failing to maintain the right distance, all agricultural contractors in the region are being written to reminding them of their obligation.
"Farmers need to be aware of this issue to and ensure contractors are following the two metre rule," Wightman says.
"If a contractor fails to observe the right distance both they and the farmer can be liable for enforcement action."
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.