increase font size
Nathan Guy.
The Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, says independent quake-relief volunteer efforts are “fantastic”, but he suggests farmers needing help get it via a Federated Farmers scheme.
“As we move from the response to recovery phase, some farmers and growers will need skilled hands to get back to pre-quake operational levels,” he says.
“For example, many farmers have suffered damage to key infrastructure such as fences and water reticulation systems. This kind of infrastructure requires experienced labour to get back up and running.”
The scheme uses the Federated Farmers 0800 FARMING (327 646) line as a single point of contact. The line has been open to members and non-members since the earthquake, showing listings of farmers’ needs and offers of help.
“It’s fantastic to see some volunteer workers and networks have started their own initiatives. Officials will be extending a hand to these groups to encourage them to work with this centralised resource if possible,” says Guy.
“All skilled workers deployed will be suitably paid and volunteers can have some costs reimbursed. The scheme will also help ensure that health and safety are managed.”
MPI has contracted Agriculture Employment Services Ltd (AgStaff) and Federated Farmers to manage the scheme over the next four months. This includes worker contracts, health and safety induction and training, coordinating travel and logistics, and the reimbursement of fair and reasonable costs for volunteer workers.
Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser SustaiN – which contains a urease inhibitor that reduces the amount of ammonia released to the air – has now been registered by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). It is the first fertiliser in New Zealand to achieve this status.
OPINION: Federated Farmers' latest farmer confidence survey results won’t surprise too many people.
Commodity prices and interest rates play a huge role in shaping farmer confidence, but these factors are beyond their control, says Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre.
Don't be surprised if there is a bit more spending at the Central Districts Field Days this year.
Buoyed by a survey showing farmer confidence rising to its highest level in over a decade, Federated Farmers says it's not taking its foot off the pedal.
The 2025 South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) chairman, Rangiora farmer Andrew Stewart, is predicting a successful event on the back of good news coming out of the farming sector and with it a greater level of optimism among farmers.
WorkSafe New Zealand is calling on farmers to consider how vehicles move inside their barns and sheds, following a sentencing for a death at one of South Canterbury’s biggest agribusinesses.
Now is not the time to stop incorporating plantain into dairy pasture systems to reduce nitrogen (N) loss, says Agricom Australasia brand manager Mark Brown.
Building on the success of last year's events, the opportunity to attend People Expos is back for 2025, offering farmers the chance to be inspired and gain more tips and insights for their toolkits to support their people on farm.
Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser SustaiN – which contains a urease inhibitor that reduces the amount of ammonia released to the air – has now been registered by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). It is the first fertiliser in New Zealand to achieve this status.
Precision application of nitrogen can improve yields, but the costs of testing currently outweigh improved returns, according to new research from Plant and Food Research, MPI and Ravensdown.
OPINION: Henry Dimbleby, author of the UK's Food Strategy, recently told the BBC: "Meat production is about 85% of our…
OPINION: For the last few weeks, we've witnessed a parade of complaints about New Zealand's school lunch program: 'It's arriving…
