Serratia-linked Mastitis a wake-up call for Waikato farmer
Waikato farmer Craig Clausen had an unpleasant experience after an outbreak of mastitis cases on farm, suspected to be caused by the pathogen Serratia.
The Waikato Regional Council is now planning to work with the farmers as they apply for necessary water take consents required under its Variation 6 policy on water allocation.
The council's policy and strategy committee yesterday heard the period for appeals to be lodged against the variation endorsed by the Environment Court had now passed and that no High Court appeals had been lodged.
The new variation maintains the existing requirement that farmers taking more than 15 cubic metres of water a day for dairy shed wash down and milk cooling must have resource consent. Some 3500 farmers in Waikato who do not currently hold such a consent will need to obtain one.
Under Variation 6, farmers who had been taking more than 15 cubic metres a day for dairy shed wash down and milk cooling as at October 2008 will generally have the amount taken in 2008 "grandparented" providing they meet a range of conditions, such as applying for a consent within a specified deadline, developing a riparian management plan (if the take is from surface water) and excluding stock from waterways.
Also, in catchments where rivers and streams are already over allocated, any new water take will require consent even if it is less than 15 cubic metres a day. Previously, taking up to 15 cubic metres per day has generally been an "as of right" permitted activity, and will remain so in catchments that haven't been fully allocated.
The council now has the job of implementing the new policy and this will take a significant amount of work.
The council's resource use division manager Brent Sinclair said his team was doing detailed planning to ensure farmers in different areas are aware of their responsibilities under Variation 6, and to work with the agricultural sector to develop the most efficient way for farmers to meet those responsibilities. In due course, farmers will be contacted to advise them how to proceed through the consenting process.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
New Zealand must continue to educate Chinese consumers about the unique qualities of its red meat products and how they differ from competitors, says Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton.
There are opportunities outside the farmgate for young farmers to further develop their skills, says 2025 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award winner Bridie Virbickas.
A brilliant result and great news for growers and regional economies. That's how horticulture sector leaders are describing the news that sector exports for the year ended June 30 will reach $8.4 billion - an increase of 19% on last year and is forecast to hit close to $10 billion in 2029.
Funding is proving crucial for predator control despite a broken model reliant on the goodwill of volunteers.
A major milestone on New Zealand's unique journey to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis could come before the end of this year.
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…
OPINION: Your old mate hears some of the recent uptick in farmer confidence has slipped since the political polls started…