MSA triumph
OPINION: Methane Science Accord, a farmer-led organisation advocating for zero tax on ruminant methane, will be quietly celebrating its first foray into fertiliser co-operative governance.
Ravensdown is welcoming the overhaul of the Overseer nutrient modelling tool.
Owners of Overseer are setting up a new company to manage, develop and license the software.
As part of the transition, funding for Overseer will increase substantially to at least $2.25 million per year over the transition phase.
Ravensdown has already invested millions of dollars in the world-leading software over the years, through Fertiliser Association of New Zealand (FANZ).
“All certified nutrient management advisors at Ravensdown are given advanced training in using Overseer among other technologies,” says Ravensdown’s chief executive Greg Campbell who is also on the board of FANZ.
“The team here are key users of this vital decision support tool and our shareholders have benefitted from us supporting it with funding and scientific input over the years,” says Campbell.
“But it’s fair to say that there are several ways that the tool can be improved and setting up a business that is solely focused on quality and funding is an important step forward.”
The new business will be tasked with:
Improving customer service (including improving the helpdesk)
Setting up a formal quality assurance programme
Fast-tracking critical maintenance and testing work
OPINION: As negotiations advance on the India-New Zealand FTA, it’s important to remember the joint commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the beginning of this process in March: for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement.
Minister for Universities, Shane Reti, has opened the final new build in a ten plus year project to upgrade the veterinary facilities at Massey University.
As New Zealand experiences more frequent and severe flooding events, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging consumers to be honest and accurate when making insurance claims for flood damage.
A recently held arable field day in the Manawatu brought with it a timely reminder to be on the lookout for velvetleaf incursions.
In a significant shift for employers, wage theft is no longer only a civil matter but now also a criminal one.
In partnership with Growing Future Farmers (GFF), Fonterra says it is increasing support for young people entering the dairy industry with a new two-year programme.

OPINION: Every time politicians come up with an investment scheme where they're going to have a crack at 'picking winners'…
OPINION: What are the unions for these days?