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Health Minister Jonathan Coleman.
Rural mental health has been given a funding boost of $600,000.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy were joined by Prime Minister John Key at the Fieldays to announce the extra funding for Rural Mental Wellness, a continuation of last year's investment.
"The Government recognises that rural life goes in cycles, with ups and downs. We are committed to supporting our rural communities," says Dr Coleman.
"The Rural Mental Wellness initiative is the right mix of further raising awareness of mental health issues within rural communities, coupled with practical help to improve the skills of the health professionals who work alongside the rural sector.
"This joint investment will help to ensure we maintain the momentum achieved last year, while also putting a plan in place for the future."
Guy says the new funding will help to strengthen local networks for farmers, workers and families in rural communities. It will provide more suicide prevention workshops and employ coordinators to work with Rural Support Trusts.
"Farmers and their families are not alone," he says. "There is a wide range of good advice and support from organisations like Rural Support Trusts, Farmstrong, and Dairy NZ.
"While this season may be tough for some, it's important to keep a focus on what we can control and to remember the long term outlook for the dairy sector is bright."
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.
When visiting the Central Districts field days, make sure you pick up a free copy of Farmstrong's Getting Through book.
Don't be surprised if there is a bit more spending at the Central Districts Field Days this year.
The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith, says the growth in the kiwifruit sector is a massive bounce back.
Horticulture Minister Nicola Grigg says she takes her hat off to all NZ growers for the hard yards they have put in over the last few years which have resulted in horticulture exports expected to reach the milestone of $8 billion this year.
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.
Professionals in South Waikato are succeeding in governance, thanks to a governance mentoring programme for South Waikato.
Timpack, one of New Zealand's largest wooden pallet and bin manufacturers, has been rewarded an exclusive contract to supply Fonterra.
The chief executive of Taupo-based dairy company, Miraka – Karl Gradon - has stepped down from the role for personal and family reasons.
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