Green but not much grass!
Dairy farmers in the lower North Island are working on protecting next season, according to Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre, who farms just north of the Horowhenua township of Levin.
Will Foley of Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay says that rather than focusing on the economic model, the event will include talks from farmers involved in similar schemes around the country.
"It is definitely not going to be a theoretical discussion about economic models, but real world examples of farmers and schemes with costs similar to what the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme proposes," said Foley.
Guests include North Otago Irrigation Company representative Peter Mitchell and the chair of Mid-Canterbury BCI water scheme Rab McDowell, both of whom have real world experience using water storage schemes.
According to Foley, arable cropping farmer Mitchell offers an example of what is possible with reliable water. While on the other hand McDowell, a traditional beef and sheep farmer, has used irrigated water to diversify his farming operation into finishing, dairy support and even cropping.
"Both these two farmers provide great examples for how many Hawke's Bay farmers may approach Ruataniwha, assuming of course, farmers give it the investment tick," said Foley. "It's about adding irrigation to how you currently farm, instead of chucking it all in and moving to a completely new farm system."
With charges and pricing, comparable to Ruataniwha, BCI saw a 30 percent increase in irrigated area last year and expects another 20 percent next year. Foley sees this is a positive sign, showing that schemes like this can not only increase incomes but also help to eliminate low periods too.
"As these are comparable cost schemes to Ruataniwha, I am more than heartened to see farmers and communities not just getting by, but doing very well. That's what we want here." said Foley.
Other speakers will include farmers Hugh Ritchie and Arthur Rowlands.
"Ruataniwha – it's Now or Never" is a free event for farmers considering the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme. It starts at 7pm Tuesday 4 November, at the Waipawa/Central Hawke's Bay Municipal Theatre. The Waipawa/Central Hawke's Bay Municipal Theatre is located in Kenilworth Street, Waipawa.
