NZ avocado growers gain FernMark export licence
New Zealand avocado growers have received a major boost by securing a collective FernMark Licence for their exports.
With adverse weather set to rain down on the Top of the South, the Bay of Plenty and parts of Northland, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says farmers, foresters, and growers need to prepare for possible challenges.
Two orange rain warnings have been issued for the three regions, signalling possible surface flooding and slips.
Upwards of 100mm of rain is expected in the Bay of Plenty and a third significant rainfall event in six weeks is anticipated for the Top of the South.
McClay says the compounding effect of these weather events on rural communities is considerable, adding that the Government is providing the necessary support.
"MPI staff are ready and available to assist, with additional staff deployed in the Top of the South and regional staff closely monitoring the Bay of Plenty," McClay says.
"We have 15 MPI staff on the ground in the Nelson/Tasman area and people available across the Bay," he adds.
Farmers are advised to move stock to higher ground ahead of the storm.
“We understand the pressure and uncertainty rural communities are facing right now, and we remain focused on ensuring they have the resources to manage this event and any challenges ahead," McClay concludes.
Two large milk processing plants in New Zealand are changing hands.
Sheep and beef farmers are urging the Government to do more to stop productive farmland overrun by pine trees.
Auckland’s Eventfinda Stadium saw New Zealand’s top butchers recognized at the National Butchery Awards.
According to the latest Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Stock Number Survey, sheep numbers have fallen by 1% while beef cattle numbers rose by 4.4%.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand says it is seeing strong farmer interest in its newly launched nProve Beef genetics tool, with early feedback and usage insights confirming its value in helping farmers make better breeding decisions and drive genetic improvement in New Zealand's beef herd.
The Innovation Awards at June's National Fieldays showcased several new ideas, alongside previous entries that had reached commercial reality.
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