Thursday, 27 February 2020 11:15

Really?

Written by The Hound

font size decrease font size increase font size

A mate of the Hound reckons despite more farmers growing it and more hectares of hemp in crop these days, it has not stopped the bureaucrats from creating stupid and costly regulations.

For starters, farmers must get a licence for the privilege to grow hemp from the Ministry of Health at an annual cost of $511 + GST.

This is all because the plant is a cousin to cannabis (which, ironically the current Government wants to make legal) even though anyone would have to smoke about a hectare of hemp to even get a buzz.

And to stop all those crazy hippies raiding hemp crops to feed their habit, any farmers growing hemp beside a road must use a cover crop – say, maize – to hide the hemp crop from the prying eyes of any passing traffic.

Unbelievable, but true!

Featured

NZ's Top Trade Negotiator Warns of Rising Protectionism

Supply chain problems, growing protectionism and a move to greater food security are some of the key challenges facing New Zealand exporters, according to our top trade negotiator, Vangelis Vitalis.

Barry Cuttance Suspension: Inside the NZDFA Dispute

A spat within the ranks of the New Zealand Deer Farmers Association has resulted in the suspension of outspoken North Canterbury farmer Barry Cuttance.

PGG Wrightson Revenue Tops $1.1b as Profit Jumps 46%

After delivering a strong financial year, rural trader PGG Wrightson says the coming months will depend on customer confidence and weather.

Cool Beef: NZ's New Programme to Cut Cattle Methane

Beef+Lamb New Zealand and the Ag Emissions Centre have launched a new research project aimed at helping beef farmers reduce methane emissions without impacting productivity or profitability.

NZ Apple Sector Pushes for Japan & Korea Market Access

The apple sector is working with the Government to unlock access to two key markets that could bring millions in revenue for apple growers.

Carrfields Marks 50 Years as Rural Health Programme Grows

Celebrating 50 years in the rural landscape of Central Canterbury and beyond, Ashburton-based Carrfields, has been the exemplar for all aspects of modern agriculture via its extensive range of services including supply, growing, agronomic advice and marketing.

National

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)…

Farmers Miss Out on Fuel Excise Refunds, Says Farm Focus

Too many farmers put reclaiming excise duty on petrol into the "too-hard" basket, says farm accounting software provider, Farm Focus.

PCE: Treat Environmental Data as Critical Infrastructure

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton, wants environmental information to be treated as critical national infrastructure.

Morrinsville Business Marks 30 Years With Bull Sculpture

A Morrinsville business celebrating its 30th birthday has shaken up the street scene in the Waikato township.

NZ Must Prioritise Food Security, Says HortNZ's Malley

New Zealand needs to make sure that it continues to focus on its own food security, according to HortNZ board…

Machinery & Products

Power Farming Launches Southland Joint Venture

Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.

Pöttinger Harvest Assist App Gets Major Update

In an era where data offers key information for effective farm management, Pottinger’s Harvest Assist App is a valuable tool…

Zetor to Move Tractor Production to India and China

In a move that will ask the question about the viability of manufacturing tractors in high-cost economies, Czechia-based manufacturer Zetor…

Tabula Launches End-to-End Contractor Platform

As agricultural contractors continue to address soaring costs and a challenging labour market, attention to detail remains paramount, with any…

NZ Tractor Sales Up 10.7% in First Half of 2026: TAMA

As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending…