Persona non grata?
OPINION: A mate of yours truly wonders just exactly how some of the so-called ‘leaders’ in the ag sector will fare if there is a change of Government on Oct 14.
With the 2015 Sheepmeat and Beef Levy Referendum now at the halfway point Beef + Lamb chair James Parson says he is pleased with the voter turnout so far.
As of August 25 one in five registered voters had cast their vote and Parsons is encouraging farmers to return their voting papers before the polls close on September 10.
“It is important for farmers to have their say and ensure that the organisation has a strong mandate to continue its activities on behalf of farmers.”
By the end of this week farmers throughout the country will have had the opportunity to attend one of the 53 referendum information meetings being hosted by Beef + Lamb NZ Directors, the local farmers of the Beef + Lamb NZ Farmer Council and members of Beef + Lamb NZ’s senior management team.
“At this midpoint we’ve seen over 600 farmers turn out to talk to us and hear what their organisation is planning in the next six year levy cycle.
“There’s good awareness among farmers and we want to make sure that’s turned into active participation in the vote,” Parsons says.
Beef + Lamb carries out regular independent research to monitor its performance and guide its delivery of activities that farmers have said are important to them, says Parsons. It includes a strong coordinated voice on farmers’ behalf around issues like health and safety, environment, market access and trade policy, market development, research and development and attracting bright young people into the industry.
It is important for the organisation to have a strong mandate to continue its activities on farmer’s behalf, says Parsons. For this reason Beef + Lamb wants to make sure all farmers know that now is the time to vote to continue the organisation.
Farmers who have not received their voting papers should call 0800 233 352.
Voting closes on September 10. Postal votes need to be in the mail by September 5 and after that date, all votes will need to be cast online by following the prompts on www.beeflambnz.com/referendum
Rural health advocates say the Government's decision to establish a new medical school at the University of Waikato augurs well for the rural sector.
People affected by the recent two severe flood events in the Tasman district are weary and exhausted trying to deal with the devastation on their farms and orchards, according to the head of the Rural Support Trust (RST) in the region.
New Zealand milk production is off to a strong start, with the first month of the 2025/26 dairy season recording a whopping 17.8% jump in milk production, compared to the previous season.
With adverse weather set to rain down on the Top of the South, the Bay of Plenty and parts of Northland, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says farmers, foresters, and growers need to prepare for possible challenges.
Keep up with innovation and e-commerce in China or risk losing market share. That was the message delivered at the China Business Summit in Auckland this month.
Meat Industry Association (MIA) independent chair Nathan Guy says getting meat processors involved has been a shot in the arm for the sector's key marketing initiative into China, Taste Pure Nature.
OPINION: Bayer Crop Science closing its Hastings research site could be the tip of the iceberg.
OPINION: The image of regenerative farmers as kind, cuddly progressive types took a hit when one of their own took…