Thursday, 09 February 2012 09:03

Farmers asked to join possum hunt

Written by 

Rural land holders in three areas totalling around 900ha on the outskirts of New Plymouth are being invited to join a possum control scheme that already covers almost all the Taranaki ring plain.

The Taranaki Regional Council wants to extend its Self-Help Possum Control Programme to about 160 properties south and east of the city, stretching from the coast north of Omata to Mangorei Rd.

"Possums are a major threat to agriculture, forestry and native biodiversity, and the self-help programme has allowed Taranaki to keep them under control," says the council's animal pest manager, Steve Ellis. "The scheme's been running since 1992 and by the end of this year it will cover 231,000ha.

"It's an effective partnership between land owners and the council, and it enjoys good support from farmers."

The New Plymouth sections will be included in the programme if at least 75% of land occupiers, representing at least 75% of the land area, agree to take part. Council contractors will undertake an initial "knock-down" operation to reduce possum numbers to a very low level. All land holders in the area will then be obliged to maintain the low level by undertaking annual control.

"We provide advice, education and assistance to the land occupiers," says Ellis. "For example, we supply traps and baits at cost price, organise the training and licensing that's needed for using some types of baits, and supply lists of certified contractors if people don't want to do the maintenance work themselves."

The council is approaching land holders individually about joining the scheme. A decision is expected by early March, with the initial knock-down operation to run for six to eight weeks beginning shortly afterwards.

Land holders with questions about the programme can call the council on 0800 736 222 and ask for the Animal Pest section.

More like this

Velvetleaf on the spread

Weed threat velvetleaf has been confirmed in maize and silage in several sites in Waikato – meaning it has come in through a different pathway than that found in fodder beet.

MPI wants help with crop pest

MPI is asking farmers and growers of arable crops to look out for a highly invasive pest weed that has appeared on a handful of South Island properties.

Featured

Dr Mike Joy says sorry, escapes censure

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.

People-first philosophy pays off

The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.

Farmer anger over Joy's social media post

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.

From Nelson to Dairy Research: Amy Toughey’s Journey

Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Faking it

OPINION: Demand for red meat is booming, while it seems the heyday of plant-based protein is well past its 'best…

M.I.A.

OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter