Ag's wish list keeps growing
When the new National-led government is finally formed there will be a long list waiting for it to action from the primary industries sector.
Rural Contractors NZ, which represents more than 600 contractors around the country, has received government support to assist them.
RCNZ chief executive Andrew Olsen says the organisation is delighted to learn it's been successful in an application to WorkSafe to help members with their mental health and well-being.
WorkSafe will provide $60,000 in Covid Relief funding for an expanded programme of GoodYarn mental health literacy workshops.
"This will be put to use to get around the country to engage with our members and their staff. We know this season will be particularly difficult with overseas worker labour constraints," Olsen says.
"We have always viewed 'GoodYarn' as the right setting to have these conversations. The trouble to date has been it's been reserved for our conference. This funding injection means we can deploy more people to carry on this great work in between times for this season at least."
RCNZ president Helen Slattery, who is herself a GoodYarn facilitator, says the funding is a real shot in the arm for RCNZ's specific use for its members, many of whom are under pressure through labour shortages.
The WorkSafe funding comes just as GoodYarn received a $100,000 boost from the Waikato-based farming trust, Trinity Lands.
"Clearly the value of GoodYarn to assist rural people facing mental health challenges, especially in difficult times, is now being recognised and that's very welcome," Slattery says. "We'll be giving our members a heads up about the program in coming weeks and once we get resource and logistics sorted out. In the interim, some may appreciate knowing that some friendly help is on its way."
Animal rights organization, SAFE says the government needs to maintain the ban on live exports.
New findings from not-for-profit food supply and distribution organization, the New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) have revealed a 42% increase in demand for food support in 2023 compared to 2022.
New data released by LIC and DairyNZ shows New Zealand dairy farmers have achieved the highest six week in-calf rate and lowest notin- calf rate on record.
Christchurch City Council and the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association (CAPA) have signed an agreement which will open more of Canterbury Agricultural Park for public use while helping to provide long-term certainty for the A&P Show.
This year’s Fieldays will feature a Rural Advocacy Hub - bringing together various rural organisations who are advocating for farmers and championing their interests as one team, under one roof, for the first time.
ASB head of rural banking Aidan Gent is encouraging farmers to speak to their banks when they are struggling.