Hawke’s Bay sheep and beef farmers warned to monitor stock water wells
Sheep and beef farmers in Hawke's Bay are being urged to keep a close eye on the wells that supply water to their stock.
On the eve of his departure from Federated Farmers board, Richard McIntyre is thanking farmers for their support and words of encouragement during his stint as a farmer advocate.
McIntyre served as a board member and national dairy section chair for the past three years. He steps down at Feds’ annual meeting in Christchurch next week.
“What’s made it special is the people. I’ve had the chance to work with passionate farmers, hardworking staff and dedicated industry leaders – all focused on improving outcomes for individual farmers, the sector, and our rural communities.
“I really want to say a huge thank you to all of you, our loyal members, who’ve supported me over the years, whether with an encouraging word at Fieldays, a phone call during a tough time, or a message out of the blue.”
He also thanked farmers for getting in touch to raise the issues keeping them awake at night and to give feedback on the work Federated Farmers is doing.
“It’s only because you’ve shared your personal stories and told me what matters to you that I’ve been able to do my role,” he wrote in Feds’ newsletter to farmers today.
He notes there have been plenty of challenges, and more than a few difficult conversations with decision-makers down in Wellington.
He also touched on successes achieved by Feds during his term.
“Two of the biggest wins that stand out are the select committee inquiry into rural banking, which is now underway, and the immigration changes that have given much-needed certainty and opportunity to our farm employers, migrant workers and their families.
“These changes weren’t easy to get across the line but they show what’s possible when farmers stand together and use their voice.
“That’s what gives Federated Farmers its strength — the backing of committed farmers like you. Thank you for your support and for allowing us to advocate on your behalf.”
McIntyre’s work in the dairy sector continues with his other role as DairyNZ director.
“There’s plenty more to be done to ensure a fair and successful future for our sector – and I’ll keep pushing for that wherever I can.”
Two Feds executives – North Canterbury province president Karl Dean and Waikato provincial president Phil Sherwood – are contesting the dairy chairmanship.
The sale of Fonterra’s global consumer and related businesses is expected to be completed within two months.
Fonterra is boosting its butter production capacity to meet growing demand.
For the most part, dairy farmers in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Tairawhiti and the Manawatu appear to have not been too badly affected by recent storms across the upper North Island.
South Island dairy production is up on last year despite an unusually wet, dull and stormy summer, says DairyNZ lower South Island regional manager Jared Stockman.
Following a side-by-side rolling into a gully, Safer Farms has issued a new Safety Alert.
Coming in at a year-end total at 3088 units, a rise of around 10% over the 2806 total for 2024, the signs are that the New Zealand farm machinery industry is turning the corner after a difficult couple of years.

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