University of Waikato research reveals 2050 drought threats
New research could help farmers prepare for a future where summer rainfall is increasingly unpredictable and where drought risk is rising, no matter what.
Environment Southland says its regional climate change strategy is taking shape.
At this month’s Environment Southland Climate Change Sub-committee meeting, the Proposed Regional Climate Change Strategy (Phase One) was endorsed following submissions and hearings in the first half of this year.
The strategy has been in development since early 2023 as a collaborative inter-agency undertaking, with Environment Southland working alongside Te Ao Mārama Inc, Gore District Council, Invercargill City Council and Southland District Council – via a Regional Climate Change Working Group.
Climate Change Subcommittee chair and working group member Councillor Maurice Rodway says the strategy was consulted on from 29 February to 8 May and attracted 60 submissions.
“People were asked for feedback on the strategy, the aspirations, Murihiku Southland becoming a Net Zero region by 2050 or earlier, and what local climate change impacts they were most concerned about,” Rodway says.
Submissions were heard in May, and the strategy has been revised as a result.
There was both support and scepticism around councils’ plans, including questions around whether climate change action in Southland will make a difference, and some mistrust of the science.
Other submitters wanted equity considered, as the impacts of climate change on communities will not be experienced equally.
Rodway says some were concerned the strategy was not enough on its own and more action needed to be taken, while there was also concern about the cost to ratepayers.
Members of the working group are now taking the strategy back to their own agencies to be considered for adoption. Gore District Council adopted the strategy at its meeting on Tuesday.
The next step is development of a regional framework for action on climate change in Murihiku Southland.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
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