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YOUR CANINE crusader reckons farmers had better get used to the idea of bearing a backlash from any new Labour/Green government if they win power next year. Labour is, at best, ambivalent towards the rural sector; the Greens are openly hostile.
For proof of this, note the Green’s co-leader Russel Norman’s latest crusade questioning the benefits of Government investment in irrigation schemes: he claims it is money wasted. This old mutt reckons if you think farming is tough now, just wait until Norman and co get into government.
Quotas and free trade deals are saving the beef sector over $1 billion in tariffs each year, says Beef+Lamb NZ chief executive Alan Thomson.
There's general farmer backing for the government's latest reforms of the Resource Management Act (RMA) but some are seeking clarity.
The Commerce Commission is weighing up whether or not it should deregulate the copper network, still used for internet and landline in 80,000 rural premises.
With two months until National Fieldays at Mystery Creek, organisers say 90% of sites have been booked by exhibitors.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says access to reliable irrigation water is essential for a thriving horticultural sector.
The drought in western parts of the North Island is reaching crisis point with many farmers from Northland to Taranaki having to truck in water and feed for their stock at great expense.
