Lock the gate
OPINION: Big surprise, Fish & Game find themselves at odds with farmers, once again, and at risk of costing their members the one thing they value above all else – access across private land to fishable lakes and rivers.
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.
Applications are open for Horticulture New Zealand’s (HortNZ) 2025 scholarship programme with18 funding opportunities for students with a special interest in the commercial fruit and vegetable industry.
A lot depends on what happens in the next few months. That's the view of Federated Farmers Otago president, Luke Kane.
A group of volunteers from Lincoln University known as the 'Handy Landies' is among those descending on Otago to help farmers get their properties back to normal.
In another sign of improving agribusiness sentiment, two listed companies have lifted their forecast earnings for the year.
Three nominations have been received for two vacant director positions on meat processor, Alliance Group's board.
Canterbury milk processor Synlait says some farmer suppliers have been inquiring about the process to remove their cessation notices, handed in earlier this year.
OPINION: In a to the 1990s, our old mates at Greenpeace continued their crusade against affordable food by abseiling down…
OPINION: Big surprise, Fish & Game find themselves at odds with farmers, once again, and at risk of costing their…