Editorial: Farm salaries get a boost
OPINION: The recent Federated Farmers / Rabobank 2024 Farming Salaries Report revealed strong growth in farm salaries over the past two years.
The past week has been devastating for South Island farmers and with a short sharp wintry blast hitting the far south of the South Island on Saturday and we are not out of the woods yet, says Federated Farmers.
"This has been an overwhelming time for farmers they have taken a huge hit, being Canterbury's worst wind storm in 40 years, this is likely to hurt them further down the track." says Katie Milne, Federated Farmers adverse events spokesperson.
"The extent of the damage is still being accessed but it is likely to cost millions of dollars and a big part of that will be from over 800 irrigators being damaged. Water access is becoming a big concern and insurance companies are already receiving hundreds of claims.
"The bigger picture here is that, these irrigators are not a quick fix and there is a strong possibility that this is going to affect long term production for all types of food producers who rely on irrigation. Just how much this will cost is yet to be determined but it is likely to be in the millions.
"In times like these the New Zealand community banding together to help farmers is not only moving but is crucial to get communications out there and to get us through. The offers of generators from farmers in other areas and other individuals and companies, has been tremendous and shows the Kiwi spirit of helping out, when times are tough, is alive and well.
"Federated Farmers would like to thank the media, the public, councils, the Rural Support Trust, and our own team who have along with other organisations stepped in to help farmers, it has been fundamental in the recovery so far," says Milne.
More bull breeders are using genetic tools according to the latest research.
Females are dominating the veterinary profession worldwide and many farmers are welcoming this change in the composition of the profession, says Britain's Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Professor Christine Middlemiss.
A five-year randomised survey of herbicide resistance on New Zealand arable farms has found widespread high levels of resistance - with 71% of farms affected in the worst-hit region - South Canterbury.
OPINION: The recent Federated Farmers / Rabobank 2024 Farming Salaries Report revealed strong growth in farm salaries over the past two years.
The low unemployment environment is one of the key factors driving on-farm salaries higher over the past 24 months, says Rabobank general manager for country banking Bruce Weir.
Fonterra has appointed a new chief financial officer, seven months after its last CFO’s shock resignation.
OPINION: This old mutt well remembers the wailing, whining and gnashing of teeth by former West Coast MP and Labour…
OPINION: Your canine crusader gets a little fed up with the some in media, union hacks, opposition politicians and hard-core…