Editorial: Sensible move
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
A lot depends on what happens in the next few months. That's the view of Federated Farmers Otago president, Luke Kane.
He says a lot of the supplementary feed in the province has been used up but a few recent days of sunshine have offered some hope with feed utilisation improving.
"One this that's become apparent is that the arable guys have had a lot of rot in their crops. That has delayed planting for the next round, so that mean we may not see some of the effects of this for six months," he says.
Kane, a dairy farmer whose family has farmed in the region for over 100 years, says events like this are not uncommon, especially on the Taieri Plains, which is a flood scheme designed to take the pressure off the wider community.
He says the floodwaters are now starting to recede but remain on certain farms and may take time to disappear.
"Farmers in this area know they could be feeding out supplement for months because it will take time for them re-grass sodden paddocks," he says.
Kane says the problem for Otago farmers was the prolonged nature of the event which saw soil moisture levels rise and no sun to dry out the paddocks.
Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
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