Monday, 23 July 2012 11:49

Spread word on environment gains

Written by 

New Zealanders need to hear more about the great progress farmers are making to lift their environmental performance, says Ballance Agri-Nutrients chairman David Graham.

"Farmers, their co-ops and their industry bodies all agree there is a need to protect and improve New Zealand's water quality. We have made good progress and we will make more.

"That's a strong message we need to take to the rest of New Zealand. They don't hear enough about the great work being done by our farmers. Nor do many of them realise how much of our economy depends on six inches of topsoil and how important it is to ensure that soil is productive."

He says initiatives like the Ballance Farm Environmental Awards are important in showcasing and celebrating agriculture's great role models and demonstrating to New Zealanders that farmers are committed to sustainable farming. He singled out this year's national winners, Blair and Jane Smith, as an example of best practice at work.

"The fact is, most farmers have always been committed to looking after the land and preserving it for generations to come – it's just what we do. Farming sustainably is good common sense and makes good economic sense too."

Graham says in order to give communities confidence that farming can and will change, role models like the Smiths were important.

"The Smiths represent a new generation of farmers who understand and are clearly demonstrating that reducing waste and improving efficiency is as good for the environment as it is for the bottom line."

The Smiths run Newhaven Farms Ltd – a North Otago sheep, beef, forestry and dairy support operation that spans three family-owned properties totalling 1528ha, and were chosen from nine regional winners.

He says despite identifying many talented farmers and role models through the Ballance Farm Environment Awards over the years, it can't all be left up to them.

"While the timeframes to introduce agriculture into the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme appear to have eased off, we cannot rest on our laurels. The extra time will allow the sector to develop effective, proven mitigation practices."

Ballance is making a contribution to the cause through their $32 million Clearview Innovations research programme, which is part funded by the Government's Primary Growth Partnership.

The seven year programme targets all the major challenges facing farming today; nutrient efficiency, water quality and farm productivity and is focused on farming profitably with a lighter environmental footprint.

More like this

Editorial: Sense at last

OPINION: For the first time in many years, a commonsense approach is emerging to balance environmental issues with the need for the nation's primary producers to be able to operate effectively.

Dark ages

OPINION: Before we all let The Green Party have at it with their 'bold' emissions reduction plan, the Hound thought it wise to run the numbers through the old Casio.

Govt limits forestry conversions

Farmers have welcomed the Government’s move designed to limit farm to forestry conversions entering the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

Faulty models used to measure emissions

OPINION: If you have kept your finger on the emissions pulse, none of the below information will be a surprise to you. However, if you are a farmer that has not been following New Zealand’s ruminant methane issue then you may be in for a nasty shock.

Featured

Horticulture exports hit $8.4B, surge toward $10B by 2029

A brilliant result and great news for growers and regional economies. That's how horticulture sector leaders are describing the news that sector exports for the year ended June 30 will reach $8.4 billion - an increase of 19% on last year and is forecast to hit close to $10 billion in 2029.

National

Machinery & Products

Calf feeding boost

Advantage Plastics says it is revolutionising calf meal storage and handling, making farm life easier, safer, and more efficient this…

JD's precision essentials

Farmers across New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Be afraid

OPINION: Your old mate hears some of the recent uptick in farmer confidence has slipped since the political polls started…

Trust us!

OPINION: Ther'es a reason politicians rank even lower than John Campbell in the most trusted profession surveys.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter