Wednesday, 28 September 2022 15:00

Pay it back!

Written by The Hound

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: This old mutt notes that rural ginger group Groundswell is turning the heat up on Beef+Lamb NZ and DairyNZ by calling for farmers to ask for their levies back from the hapless levy-funded organisations.

The group has set up a website asking beef & sheep and dairy farmers to 'demand your levy refund'.

"Sick of paying your levies, just to have the levy bodies fail to represent your interests in the advocacy they take to Wellington?" Groundswell asks. "The advocacy you pay for should be based on the feedback from grassroots farmers, rather than selling a predetermined agreement with Government back to farmers."

The Groundswell website allows farmers to invoice DairyNZ and Beef+Lamb for the portion of their levy both outfits spend on advocacy, which the group claims is about one third of the total farmers pay in levies.

More like this

Editorial: Goodbye 2024

OPINION: In two weeks we'll bid farewell to 2024. Dubbed by some as the toughest season in a generation, many farmers would be happy to put the year behind them.

Dark ages

OPINION: Before we all let The Green Party have at it with their 'bold' emissions reduction plan, the Hound thought it wise to run the numbers through the old Casio.

Rhymes with?

OPINION: The Feds' latest banking survey shows that bankers are even less popular with farmers than they used to be, despite falling interest rates, and the report still paints a damning picture of rural lending.

Waste not

OPINION: Judith Collins, Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, has upset the more woke members of the science community by announcing a regulation change to narrow the scope of the $83.5 million/year Marsden Fund.

Middle finger

OPINION: Kainga Ora's decision to categorically rule out use of woollen carpets in social housing is a total slap in the face for struggling Kiwi sheep farmers.

Featured

FMG launches 'Under Pressure' campaign

As New Zealand enters the summer months, rural insurer FMG is reminding farmers and growers to take extra care with a new campaign.

Stay safe over summer - St John

Hato Hone St John is urging Kiwis to have a safe summer this year.

Silt Recovery Taskforce wins national award

Hawke’s Bay’s Silt Recovery Taskforce has received the Collaboration Excellence Award at the Association of Local Government Information Management (ALGIM) Awards.

New UHT plant construction starts

Construction is underway at Fonterra’s new UHT cream plant at Edendale, Southland following a groundbreaking ceremony recently.

Animal owners urged to make a list, check it twice

The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) has launched a new summer checklist for animal owners this year.

Irrigation scheme delivers on water quality, environment

The Amuri Basin Future Farming (ABFF) Project in North Canterbury is making considerable strides in improving irrigation efficiency, riparian management, and environmental innovation.