Northland farmers losing time and money to poor internet
The lack of quality internet coverage in Northland is costing farmers time and money, says Federated Farmers Northland president Colin Hannah.
Marton farmer Simon Nitschke has been named the 2024 Arable Farmer of the Year.
Nitschke, who grows up to 200ha of maize grain, and 100ha each of wheat and barley, achieves consistently high crop yields and willingly shares his agronomic experience with other growers, according to the judges.
The Manawatu farmer was also presented with the Maize Farmer of the Year Award as the industry celebrated its achievers and innovators at the Arable Industry Awards in Christchurch last night.
Federated Farmers arable chair David Birkett said he was hugely impressed by the calibre and commitment of this year’s winners of awards in seven categories.
"Arable is a sector that tends to fly under the radar a bit in New Zealand, but it punches above its weight.
"Our growers are pivotal to domestic food staples, seed export markets and supplying the grass seed and animal grain that the bigger dairy, meat and wool sectors rely on.
"In what’s been a tough season, the resilience and innovation of our growers has shone through," Birkett says.
The awards judging panel said Nitschke’s yields are "extremely high by industry standards" thanks to careful cultivar selection, effective management of soil fertility and optimised use of resources.
His Arable Solutions business has invested in state-of-the-art grain-drying facilities and offers a package of contracting services.
Nitschke’s industry and community credentials include involvement in the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) Arable Research Group and the Growers Leading Change programme.
"He can be described as an ‘all-rounder’ and a very worthy winner of the Arable Farmer of the Year Award," judges said.
DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker says the industry-good organisation is proud to be an ongoing industry partner of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, providing judging expertise and facilitating field days.
A major floodway infrastructure upgrade has been completed in Edgecumbe, providing enhanced flood protection and resilience for the local community.
Rural retailer Ruralco says it has made a $10,000 donation to the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust (MCRST) following the Ruralco Golf Classic held last month.
According to a new farmer survey, many farmers are rejecting New Zealand’s current ruminant methane strategy.
As the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards night unfolded, it became evident that Waikato’s Thomas and Fiona Langford were the frontrunners for the biggest prize of the night – the 2025 Share Farmers of the Year award.
New Zealand’s dairy sector cannot expect India to be a market for all its dairy products.
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