'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.
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
Alliance Group has commissioned a new heat pump system at its Mataura processing plant in Southland.
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.
Meat processors are hopeful that the additional 15% tariff on lamb exports to the US will also come off.
Fears of a serious early drought in Hawke’s Bay have been allayed – for the moment at least.

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