Thursday, 23 April 2020 14:49

Small forest owners urged to complete survey

Written by  Staff Reporters

MPI is wanting to provide guidance around potential contracts signed by small forest owners – many of whom are farm foresters.

It says there are approximately 14,000 of these small forest owners in New Zealand and many of them are farmers. 

“Due to trees taking 25-30 years to be ready for harvest, many farmers may not be familiar with all the elements in the forestry cycle and could be vulnerable to exploitation,” says MPI’s Jurgen Muller.

“Most agricultural sectors have an annual cycle. This means farmers become familiar with most aspects of their business,” he explains. 

“However, forestry is different. After planting your trees 25 years ago, you might now be approaching your first harvest and you are in unfamiliar territory. Your investment might be worth a lot of money and you need to make sure you maximise your profits.” 

Muller says MPI is looking at what it can do to help inform small forest owners about their transactions throughout the forestry cycle and has created a survey to find out what might be the best way to support them. 

He says the anonymous survey has 12 questions and estimates it takes less than 4 minutes to complete. To complete the survey, click on this link: https://surveyhero.com/c/210e8589

More like this

Farmers struggle with water and feed shortages

The drought in western parts of the North Island is reaching crisis point with many farmers from Northland to Taranaki having to truck in water and feed for their stock at great expense.

East Coast Expo delivers two action-packed days of events

The recent East Coast Farming Expo, held over two days at Wairoa, offered an insight into the current state of agriculture on the east of the North Island, at a time when the locals are remembering the second anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Featured

Lame stories from a country vet

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) awards.

National

Machinery & Products

Buhler name to go

Shareholders at a special meeting have approved a proposed deal that will see Buhler Industries, the publicly traded Versatile and…

Grabbing bales made quick and easy

Front end loader and implement specialist Quicke has introduced the new Unigrip L+ and XL+ next-generation bale grabs, designed for…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Risky business

OPINION: In the same way that even a stopped clock is right twice a day, economists sometimes get it right.

Should've waited

OPINION: The proposed RMA reforms took a while to drop but were well signaled after the election.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter