Dairy power
OPINION: The good times felt across the dairy sector weren't lost at last week's Beef + Lamb NZ annual meeting.
Industry-good body, DairyNZ is seeking a big mandate from fee-paying farmers on its upcoming levy vote.
The six-yearly vote in April gives farmers six weeks to decide whether to extend the levy for another term. The levy raises about $65 million annually.
However, the organisation has only committed to keeping the levy at the proposed 3.6c/kgMS for the first year.
DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says beyond the first year there are no guarantees that the levy will remain at 3.6c/kgMS.
“Certainly for first year, beyond that there are no guarantees that demands won’t require a greater level of investment: we don’t know right now.
“As always, you continuously cut the cloth and look at priorities: investing farmers’ money on things that matter the most.
“There may come a time when more investment is needed and we will go back to farmers then.”
Mackle wants farmers to vote early.
“Then we will spend less time ringing them up to vote and spend more time on the work,” he told Rural News.
Mackle is hopeful of a yes vote, but wants a huge mandate.
“It will be a positive thing for the sector if we turn out in big numbers: a weak turnout and getting the result is not a good outcome for us.
“We want a strong turnout: a big turnout and getting over the line.”
He says the organisation held 34 shed meetings around the country late last year: around 500 dairy farmers turned out to share their thoughts on issues affecting them, get updated on levy-funded research and talk about what the future focus should be for DairyNZ investment.
Mackle says the feedback from farmers on the upcoming levy vote has been positive.
The last levy vote in 2014 recorded a 60% turnout by numbers and 70% by milk solids production.
Rural retailer Farmlands has launched a new casual clothing range available across 42 stores nationwide and through its online store.
Federated Farmers says the health and safety changes announced this week by the Government represent the start of overdue reforms.
The Government is calling on rural New Zealanders to share their views on proposed regulations designed to improve the management of farm plastic waste.
For many urban New Zealanders, stepping into Pāmu’s Pinta dairy farm near Taupo last month was the first time they had had the chance to experience farm life up close.
After tasting 240 New Zealand made cheeses, judges have bestowed medals upon 199 of the entries.
Bay of Plenty’s top share farmers Andre and Natalie Meier are no strangers to the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards winning circle.
OPINION: At last, a serious effort to better connect farmers and scientists.
OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last…