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DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel.
DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel has come out swinging, accusing Groundswell of "circulating incorrect information" and "not getting the best outcome for farmers".
In a note last week to levypayers, van der Poel lambasted the lobby group for causing confusion and concern in rural communities.
"I assure you the HWEN process is still on track," van der Poel told farmers.
"The proposal submitted to Government continues to have the unanimous support of all 11 primary sector partners.”
He added that DairyNZ and other HWEN partners continued to meet regularly with Government to discuss recommendations and “hear their views”.
Groundswell’s Steve Cranston claims that the Government will replace the He Waka Eke Noa with a “cap and trade” scheme for agriculture.
A cap and trade scheme – like the Emissions Trading Scheme — requires each emitter to purchase units to allow a specific quantity of greenhouse gases to be emitted. Emissions units can be traded.
One person intimately involved in the new legislation to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA) is the outgoing chief executive of the Ministry for the Environment, James Palmer, who's also worked in local government.
DairyNZ’s latest Econ Tracker update shows most farms will still finish the season in a positive position, although the gap has narrowed compared with early season expectations.
According to the New Zealand Dairy Statistics 2024/25 report, New Zealand dairy farmers are achieving more with fewer cows.
Milksolids levies paid by dairy farmers over the past six years have generated nearly $3 billion in value, according to an independent review.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is urging dairy farmers to participate in the 2026 Levy vote, to be held early next year.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
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