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IRRIGATIONNZ SAYS it is heartened by the support it received for this week's 'It's Now or Never' Ruataniwha meeting.
The event, jointly hosted with Federated Farmers, saw over 250 Hawke's Bay farmers and growers turn up to hear the irrigation development experiences of South Island farmers.
"We had farmers from Canterbury and Otago breaking down how they make irrigation pay and what it's done for their farming operations," says IrrigationNZ CEO Andrew Curtis.
"They weren't large scale dairy farmers either. Rab McDowell and Nick Webster showed how sheep finishing, beef, cropping and speciality seed, alongside dairy support operations can all benefit from reliable irrigation."
The event also included talks from local irrigators, Arthur Rowlands and Hugh Ritchie who spoke on how they would make the irrigation development work for them.
Curtis says that the aim of the evening was about information-sharing from those who have been there and done it.
"The feedback we've had is that it's opened up new possibilities and thought processes for those considering Ruataniwha water. That's a great thing as theoretical economics being spouted by detractors of the dam just can't compete with the reality," he says.
IrrigationNZ and Federated Farmers will now continue to rally the Hawke's Bay farming community in the uptake of water.
"Based on last night's support the dam's definitely over the line. It's now how we push on and move to 60% plus. If we do this it makes the design of the distribution system far more cost effective," says Curtis
The 'It's Now or Never' Ruataniwha meeting was supported by Westpac and FMG Rural Insurance.
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Effluent is a valuable source of nutrients.
Precision Slurry says they are effluent application specialists who pride themselves on leading the way in cleaning out any system - fully utilising the nutrients often seen as a problem on farms.
Fresh produce grower and exporter T&G Global has overturned last year’s dismal performance by reporting a half year net profit of $1.7 million.
One of New Zealand’s largest fertiliser plants could be forced to shut down for four months as uncertainty looms over gas supply.
Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is consulting on a proposal to ban weedkillers containing chlorthal-dimethyl (DCPA).
August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.
OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.
