increase font size
FEDERATED FARMERS is encouraging farmers to help each other as cropping farmers in Canterbury and North Otago seek respite from a prolonged wet spell which is threatening specialist crops and cereals ahead of harvesting.
"Already sodden fields have been shown no mercy from a succession of passing cyclonic fronts," says mid-Canterbury president, Chris Allen.
"This will have the same impact on cropping farmers as one metre of snow during lambing would have on sheep farmers, it's very serious.
"Now into autumn with shorter days and less heat, there will be limited opportunities for farmers to recover their crops. Due to the wet ground conditions, crops aren't suitable for harvest and when they are, there will be a big demand on resources.
"Late season small seed crops like carrots and radish have been particularly affected with significant areas still waiting for a break in the weather. Seed crops are a big part of the industry with export growth of 14% in 2013. New Zealand growers now provide more than 50% of the world's supply of carrot, radish and beet seeds annually.
"Many cropping farmers work individually, and are generally self-reliant. Federated Farmers advises all farmers with cropping expertise and resources to act as good neighbours by offering support or services directly to help those who are struggling against the elements.
"I encourage all farmers in Canterbury and North Otago to offer assistance and not to sit back and wait to be asked. Time is of the essence to limit the impact of production losses.
"This includes picking up the phone or making yourself known to a neighbour to offer spare harvesting or drying equipment, or just some advice. It could make all the difference to morale and help those farmers get through a stressful time.
"We can't change the weather but we are keeping a watchful eye on the situation," says Allen.
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
Federated Farmers says the final report into banking competition is a significant step forward for rural New Zealand - and a vindication of the farming sector's concern.
Farmer lobby group Federated Farmers has announced it is supporting a new Member’s Bill which it says could bring clarity to New Zealand farmers and save millions in legal costs.
Federated Farmers says climate protest group Greenpeace is manufacturing outrage and attempting to scare New Zealanders with headlines that have no basis in science.
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Award-winning boutique cheese company, Cranky Goat Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand has launched an AI-powered digital assistant to help farmers using the B+LNZ Knowledge Hub to create tailored answers and resources for their farming businesses.
A tiny organism from the arid mountains of mainland Greece is facilitating a new way of growing healthier animals on farms across New Zealand.
OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.
