Increasing calls for support from drought-affected farmers
More than 2,000 farmers in drought-stricken areas of the country are now seeking support from the Rural Support Trust (RST).
A new Hyundai Santé Fe has been donated to the Waikato Rural Support Trust by Greenlea Premier Meats Ltd.
The trust, one of many in rural New Zealand, is independent and non-profit, offering free, confidential support to rural Kiwis or communities when things get tough.
The support team all have a rural background and can listen, understand and help in times of pressure.
The trust’s relationship with Greenlea began at the 2017 National Fieldays, with a casual discussion about rural support vehicles, says Greenlea livestock manager, Bruce Mudgway. At the time, the company was the principal sponsor of the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, so it already had an affinity for rural support, he says.
“WRST is a great cause and given that nobody really knows when support is required, these guys are out
there at the drop of a hat,” Mudgway told Rural News.
“At Greenlea, we are happy to give a little back to those who support folk – who in a lot of case are our farmers and supply partners.”
“We know they are great vehicles. We managed to get a sharp deal out of Gingham Hyundai for the vehicle, and we called on Admark for the graphics and Aon for insurance.”
The Sante Fe will be used to get co-ordinators into the community and see to work that includes supporting community events or during storms etc.
Movement controls have been lifted from Mainland Poultry’s Hillgrove Farm in Otago, after the successful eradication of H7N6 strain of high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Harvesting is underway of one of New Zealand’s rarest and most unusual fruit - persimmons.
Recent rain has offered respite for some from the ongoing drought.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
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