Storm-damaged trees still causing havoc in Southland
Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees
The Hound understands that more than a few farmers are feeling uncomfortable about the new work health and safety regime onfarm being promoted by WorkSafe NZ.
In fact, one correspondent took time to write to this old mutt’s editor expressing these concerns after our story on these in the last issue. The frustrated farmer was reluctant to publish his letter stating, “It is probably a waste of time publishing... as the Worksafe gestapo are determined to have us all wearing nappies regardless…. Unfortunately the rules they are forcing upon us are insulting, highly inconvenient and time wasting.” Your old mate suggests that WorkSafe NZ still has a fair bit of work to do convincing farmers about the merits of its new onfarm health and safety regulations.
New Zealand needs a new healthcare model to address rising rates of obesity in rural communities, with the current system leaving many patients unable to access effective treatment or long-term support, warn GPs.
Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees
Third-generation Ashburton dairy farmers TJ and Mark Stewart are no strangers to adapting and evolving.
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride says the divestment of Mainland Group is their last significant asset sale and signals the end of structural changes.
Thirty years ago, as a young sharemilker, former Waikato farmer Snow Chubb realised he was bucking a trend when he started planting trees to provide shade for his cows, but he knew the animals would appreciate what he was doing.

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