Winegrowers support new seasonal visa policy
The new Global Workforce Seasonal Visa will provide longer term certainty for wineries, says NZW Chief Executive Philip Gregan.
Allowing only 125 skilled agricultural machinery operators into New Zealand next season falls way short of what's needed, says rural contractors.
Last week, the Government announced that of 5,000 exemptions to border controls, 125 mobile agricultural machinery operators would be allowed.
Rural Contractors NZ chief executive Roger Parton says while the 125 exemptions will help, a recent survey of his members showed a need for 400 experienced operators as an absolute minimum.
Parton released extracts from the survey which shows shortages of skilled machinery operators forced many rural contractors to work very long hours and face a lot of stress.
He says some contractors say they are considering leaving the industry because the 2020/21 season was so stressful due to the lack of skilled workers, compounded by having to manage inexperienced staff.
"What the Government must acknowledge is there are limits to how many people we can recruit and train to competently drive a $500,000-plus machine - and then be happy doing so, living and working remotely for only a few months a year."
Parton says many farmers are largely dependent on contractors to provide them with the feed they need to get stock through winter and adverse weather events like the drought in many regions this year or to help ensure crops can be produced and harvested.
Rural Contractors NZ is seeking an urgent meeting with MPI to discuss the latest decision and see what, if any, discretion may be able to be applied, given the risks posed by the announced border exemption for only 125 skilled machinery operators.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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