Sheep & Beef Farm Conversion to Forestry Slows, Risk Remains
Conversions of sheep and beef farms to forestry have slowed, however new research from Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) suggests land of value for food production remains at risk.
OPINION: Remember when the Labour Government - not this current lot, but the mob led by Helen Clark - tried introducing a fart tax several years ago?
It led to former King Country National MP Shane Ardern's one and only memorable effort during his long political career - driving Myrtle the tractor up the stairs of Parliament!
Now we have the current Labour Government, with strong support from Greens and meek acceptance by ag 'leaders', aiming to tax livestock emissions again.
However, a mate of the Hound points out that the increasing numbers of vegans and vegetarians in the country should pay a greater tax contribution under the ETS.
"By eschewing high-quality meat proteins for a bean-based diet, they will be adding considerably more to global emissions," your old mate's correspondent explains.
Fair point, one would have thought.
DairyNZ deputy chair Cameron Henderson has been re-appointed unopposed for another term.
Farms across the upper North Island are trialling different pasture mixes as part of a research programme that aims to build greater resilience into farming systems.
Election years are always a concerning time for farmers, according to DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown.
The Ballance Farm Environment Awards are coming to the West Coast of the South Island.
Most dairy regions around the country have had a pretty good season so far says Tracy Brown.

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