Project takes aim at pasture persistence problem
Farmers are welcoming a $17 million, seven-year collaborative science and research programme to lift pasture persistence and productivity.
An intense dry spell gripping upper South Island districts - Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson - have been declared as a medium-scale adverse event by the Government.
The declaration gives growers and farmers in the three districts access to more assistance from the Rural Support Trust.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell.
“I know this has made day-to-day conditions on the ground extremely tough for farmers and growers,” McClay says.
“The Top of the South Drought Committee met yesterday to discuss the situation.
“After receiving an urgent update from Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) staff on the ground in the area this morning, I have made the decision to classify drought conditions in Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event.
“It is clear conditions are tough. This decision will unlock further support for farmers and growers, including tax support.”
Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson visited the Marlborough area last week to see conditions first-hand.
Patterson says the classification is on top of funding of up to $20,000 they made available to the Top of the South Rural Support Trust last month to provide extra support.
“The proactive step ensured early support is available for farmers, growers, and rural communities.”
MPI has been working collaboratively with central agencies, sector groups, regional bodies, and farmers and growers across the country to prepare for El Niño since its arrival last year.
Forecasters predict the dry weather will linger into the autumn, says McClay.
“I know farmers and growers in other parts of the country are also experiencing dry conditions and we’re keeping a close eye on the situation in those regions.”
Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
OPINION: ACT MP Mark Cameron isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but he certainly calls it how he sees it, holding…
OPINION: Did former PM Jacinda Ardern get fawning reviews for her book?