increase font size
THE INDUSTRY-LED working group looking at the issues with swedes affecting dairy cattle in Southland says a key priority will be developing clear and agreed advice for farmers.
The group met for the first time this week, with DairyNZ's Southland regional leader, Richard Kyte, chairing the meeting. The group includes representatives from Southland veterinary practices, Federated Farmers, Beef+Lamb NZ and PGG Wrightson Seeds. It also has specialist advisors on veterinary pathology and plant science.
"Evidence and science-based information is crucial and will be the focus of this group. Gathering this information is a work in progress and will involve all parties," says Kyte.
"Work is currently being carried out on measuring and testing some crops. It is challenging because measuring and testing for different compounds in these swede crops is not straightforward. We are working with scientists to understand this. It will take some time for this analysis to come through, possibly months, and it may not be conclusive.
"We'll be working together on clear and agreed advice to farmers. We know farmers are looking for help with decisions on what to do right now and for next season's crops," he says. Further farmer advisories will be issued within the next seven days.
DairyNZ is combining with the parties involved in the working group to extend the reach of its farmer survey on the issue. "The survey work is critical in understanding the problem. So far we've had more than 330 responses. Everyone has agreed to help us ensure as many farmers as possible reply to our four quick email questions.
"We can then use that information to follow up with more detailed farmer interviews and data-gathering," says Richard. Farmers can go to www.dairynz.co.nz to fill out the survey which will remain open for replies until Friday September 19.
OPINION: Feds Southland 'pres' Jason Herrick and colleagues who continue the good fight against bureaucratic madness on behalf of farmers, have had another win - for now, at least - getting a court decision granting a 'stay' on rules in the Southland Water and Land Plan until changes can be made to section 70 of the RMA by central goverment, somtheing they clearly signaled after the election.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes a recent court decision which granted a stay on rules in the Southland Water and Land Plan until legislative changes can be made by government.
Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick says farmers are prepared for winter grazing every year.
OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.
Southland Farmers will be breathing a sigh of relief that central Government is stepping in to stop Environment Southland from introducing unworkable and expensive new farming rules.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
OPINION: The world is bracing for a trade war between the two biggest economies.
