NZ Catchment Groups Thrive with ‘Source to Sea’ Approach
The most successful catchment groups in NZ are those that have 'a source to sea' approach.
Entries are open for the 2021 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards.
The awards, run by Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) and the Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT), celebrate primary sector employers who demonstrate exceptional employment practices.
MPI director of investment, skills and performance, Cheyne Gillooly says the awards provide the opportunity to recognise and celebrate outstanding employers who put their staff at the heart of their operations.
“We’re on the lookout for employers who go above and beyond by creating productive, safe, supportive, and healthy work environments for their people.
“2020 was a difficult year for many employers and employees, and this is an opportunity to celebrate the extensive work executed by so many people to keep businesses going.”
The awards are open to all food and fibres sector employers and the businesses that serve them. Entries open today and close at 5pm on 5 February 2021.
Gillooly says good employers are key to attracting, developing, and retaining the skills New Zealand’s food and fibres sector needs now, and in the future.
“Our Fit for a Better World – Accelerating our Economic Potential Roadmap sets goals of employing 10% more Kiwis from all walks of life in the primary sector by 2030, and 10,000 more New Zealanders in the primary sector workforce over the next four years.”
He says the roadmap also sets a goal of lifting the value of the New Zealand food and fibre exports by an additional $44 billion over the coming decade.
“Our food and fibre products continue to be sought by consumers around the world, and we need to ensure New Zealand has the right workforce to meet this demand.
“Employers play a critical role in showing that the food and fibres sector is a great place to work, and where people can build long-term, rewarding careers.
“The awards are a great way to showcase employers who are creating workplaces that put people first. Having the right environment to nurture and develop workers is critical to the future of our food and fibres sector.”
Farmers will get an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in sheep genetics at the Sheep Breeder Forum this May.
Specialist horticulture and viticulture weather forecasters Metris says the incoming Cyclone Vaianu is likely to impact growers across the country.
A group of old Otago uni mates with a love of South Island back-country have gone the lengths of Waiau Toa Clarence from source to sea. Tim Fulton, who joined the group in the final fun to the river mouth, tells their story.
Operating with a completely different format from conventional tractors and combine harvesters, the NEXAT prime mover combines all steps of crop production in one modular carrier vehicle, from tillage, through seeding to harvesting.
Reports of severe weather forecast to move over the vast majority of New Zealand’s kiwifruit orchards this weekend will be very concerning for a significant number of growers.
Seeka chief executive Michael Franks says while it's still early days in terms of the kiwifruit harvest, things are looking pretty good.

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