University of Waikato research reveals 2050 drought threats
New research could help farmers prepare for a future where summer rainfall is increasingly unpredictable and where drought risk is rising, no matter what.
The Government is offering tax relief measures for farmers in drought-affected areas.
Revenue Minister Stuart Nash says the declaration of an adverse event allows government agencies to step up with additional support for farmers and growers in affected areas.
In late December and early January the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Communities Damien O’Connor classified the drought as a medium-scale adverse event across Taranaki, parts of Manawatu-Whanganui and Wellington, and the Grey and Buller districts of the South Island’s West Coast.
Local authorities affected by the drought classification are: Stratford, New Plymouth, South Taranaki, Whanganui, Rangitikei, Manawatu, Palmerston North, Horowhenua, Kapiti Coast, Upper Hutt, Porirua, Wellington, Lower Hutt, Grey and Buller.
Nash says the rural community is having a tough time. “Many farmers will have more urgent issues on their minds than tax compliance. Inland Revenue has confirmed there will be greater flexibility and assistance for those affected. I am pleased that IR is able to respond in a more accommodating way.
“I strongly encourage any farmers who are struggling to meet their tax obligations because of the adverse conditions to talk to their accountant and engage with Inland Revenue. We acknowledge the scale of the challenges faced by farmers in exceptionally dry conditions.
“If any farmer has concerns, please talk to the experts who can help,” Nash says.
Inland Revenue will allow farmers in drought areas to make late income equalisation deposits for the 2016-2017 income tax year.
They will also be able to apply for early refunds. This allows farmers to smooth out fluctuations in their income from year to year.
“Farmers can now better plan their financial response to the drought conditions. Tax rules are able to take account of extraordinary events like droughts, floods or earthquakes. It is important to acknowledge the reality of the situation that farmers face,” Nash says.
Meat co-operative, Alliance has met with a group of farmer shareholders, who oppose the sale of a controlling stake in the co-op to Irish company Dawn Meats.
Rollovers of quad bikes or ATVs towing calf milk trailers have typically prompted a Safety Alert from Safer Farms, the industry-led organisation dedicated to fostering a safer farming culture across New Zealand.
The Government has announced it has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research.
A group of Kiwi farmers are urging Alliance farmer-shareholders to vote against a deal that would see the red meat co-operative sell approximately $270 million in shares to Ireland's Dawn Meats.
In a few hundred words it's impossible to adequately describe the outstanding contribution that James Brendan Bolger made to New Zealand since he first entered politics in 1972.
Dawn Meats is set to increase its proposed investment in Alliance Group by up to $25 million following stronger than forecast year-end results by Alliance.
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