increase font size
FEDERATED FARMERS commends Environment Southland for listening to the concerns of hill and high country farmers, and delaying notification of the proposed Hill and High Country Development Plan Change.
"The council's decision, having engaged and taken on board farmers concerns, will result in better outcomes for farmers and the environment," says Allan Baird, Federated Farmers Southland acting provincial president.
"Taking time to fully consider the issues, potential impacts, inclusive of the whole community and their values, is a fundamental part of the National Policy Statement for Fresh Water Management, and needs to be central in all decision making.
"Whilst guidelines are still under review to inform good management practices on hill and high country farms, there needs to be patience and consideration to all affected by any implementation of new rules. Farmers need to be informed and they need time to adjust, particularly given these rules would impose real costs on farmers.
"Considering the quality of water in the upper catchments is generally good, Federated Farmers believes the best way forward is to abandon the rule of making hill high country farm development a regulated process.
"The hundreds of hill and high country farmers affected want to get it right. Therefore it would be more appropriate for the council and the Federation to educate the minority of farmers that aren't, rather than introduce a blanket rule for all.
"Environmental results come from collaboration, not regulating in panic to solve a problem. We are thrilled the council are taking a more balanced approach, and sincerely hope it continues" says Baird.
OPINION: Recent media commentary from Southland Federated Farmers has raised concerns among our rural communities, particularly around Environment Southland’s approach to winter grazing inspections and nitrogen reporting. But let’s be clear, much of what’s been said simply doesn’t reflect reality.
OPINION: Environment Canterbury's (ECan) decision recently to declare a so-called “nitrate emergency” is laughable.
A shameless political stunt is how Federated Farmers is describing the Canterbury Regional Council decision to declare “a nitrate emergency” on the back of its latest annual groundwater quality survey.
Federated Farmers say Environment Canterbury's decision to declare a 'nitrate emergency' is a shameless political stunt that won't help anyone.
Farmers want the Government to scrap controversial freshwater rules that "put river spirits and ideology ahead of practical water use", says Federated Farmers board member Mark Hooper.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…
One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…
