Editorial: War's over
OPINION: In recent years farmers have been crying foul of unworkable and expensive regulations.
Environment Southland is wanting to see big improvements on last year’s winter grazing practices as it begins its aerial compliance inspections today.
Today’s flight, weather permitting, is a preliminary one to provide as initial estimation on wintering practice in Southland. Further compliance flights will be undertaken later in late July/August.
Environment Southland chief executive Rob Phillips says last year’s winter grazing practice left a lot to be desired.
“It was a problem across Southland and I am hoping to see clear improvements this year off the back of a concerted effort with industry organisations to get all farmers up to speed with good practice.”
Last winter Environment Southland undertook three aerial inspections resulting in 68 follow up site visits, letters of concern to a further 88 property owners, six infringements and two prosecution cases.
A number of others were referred to Environment Southland’s land sustainability team for advice and support on winter grazing.
As part of the council’s effort to turn the situation around, it initiated a hui last year to bring industry organisations together – DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Federated Farmers, MfE and MPI – to formulate a plan to tackle the problem. They have since provided a range of support to farmers.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
There have been leadership changes at the Hamilton-based Dairy Goat Co-operative, which has been struggling financially in recent years.