Fieldays goes urban
OPINION: Once upon a time the Fieldays were for real farmers, salt of the earth people who thrived on hard yakka.
“Don't let a spot become a full stop” is the message Melanoma New Zealand and FMG are sharing with rural New Zealanders.
With over 50% of rural New Zealand insured with FMG and a strong presence in those communities, the company has announced a partnership with Melanoma New Zealand to help prevent avoidable suffering and deaths from skin cancer.
FMG’s chief client officer Andrea Brunner says it often talks about how the most important asset on farms and rural properties are the people.
“The benefits of a regular skin check are undeniable, given that if it is caught early, melanoma is almost always curable,” she says.
“Our farmers and growers are among the most at risk of melanoma in the world due to New Zealand’s UV radiation intensity. So, supporting them to remain well is very important us.”
Melanoma New Zealand chief executive Andrea Newland says heightening the awareness in New Zealand’s rural communities of how to protect your skin when outdoors, and the importance of having a regular skin checks, will save lives.
“New Zealand has the highest incidence rate of melanoma in the world, with more than 4,000 diagnosed and around 300 people dying from it each year,” she explains.
“It’s sobering to think that more people die from skin cancer than on our roads.”
The team at FMG is helping to share Melanoma New Zealand’s key prevention and early detection messages, education, and advice through its connections into rural communities, at regional field days, A&P shows as well as at the National Fieldays.
At FMG’s Fieldays’ site, visitors will be able to see the amount of sun damage to their skin with a UV camera and collect a record card to take to the Melanoma New Zealand’s site for a free spot check.
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.

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