'Forestry hysteria' not helpful - forest owners
The New Zealand Farm Forestry Association says that recent comments from Beef + Lamb NZ (B + LNZ) and Federated Farmers are adding to alarm and hysteria around forestry.
The New Zealand Farm Forestry Association (NZFFA) is running 18 extension workshops throughout New Zealand in May and June to target potential tree growers.
National president of NZFFA, Neil Cullen says the timing is ideal for farmers who are interested in diversifying their long-term farm income.
"Trees are not just about the timber potential. They also protect the land and store carbon."
Cullen says farmer and landowner participants will also learn about the benefits of planting different species to help mitigate climate change, provide shade and shelter, reduce erosion and improve water quality.
"This is particularl timely and important when we note the huge areas of erosion caused by the cyclones in Northland, Tairawhiti and Hawke's Bay in January and February. That's why there will be a focus on alternative species to help control erosion."
Go to https://www.nzffa.org.nz/events/ to find out where the workshops are being held and to register.
Three New Zealand agritech companies are set to join forces to help unlock the full potential of technology.
As the sector heads into the traditional peak period for injuries and fatalities, farmers are being urged to "take a moment".
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.

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