Federated Farmers Release 2026 Election Platform
With the general election just molnths away, farmers have launched a five-point plan for the next government.
OPINION: This old mutt is never surprised by the stupidity of local councils and their bylaws.
However, he reckons a proposed bylaw in Tasman District Council surely takes the cake.
The TDC's proposed law will require farmers to hold sheep 50m back from a road while shifting stock until all cars have driven past!
Are they serious?
Surely not even the most officious of pen pushing bureaucrats thinks a law such as this is remotely sensible?
As Federated Farmers Nelson Provincial president Stephen Todd says, it could end up being an "unworkable joke".
Your old mate suggests with council elections coming up in October, perhaps the good citizens of Tasman District send their councillors a strong message and vote them out of office if this ridiculous rule comes into law!
Analysis of decades of research has revealed the implementation of good farming practices plays a critical role in reducing nutrient losses to improve freshwater outcomes.
Yesterday the Government used the opening of Fieldays to announce a major investment, as part of its Land Use Flexibility package, to support a more productive and sustainable future across six sectors including dairy.
Dairy farmers need to be high quality partners to the beef industry, says Prem Maan, the co-founder and executive chairman of the dairy corporate Southern Pastures.
The regions that will host clinical training for the University of Waikato's new medical school from 2028 have been confirmed, alongside a new nationwide approach to clinical placements for medical students.
The bumpy road you travel on teachs you a lot, believes Don Watson. And that’s the message he and wife Kirsten, supreme winners of the Auckland Ballance Farm Environment Awards, aim to pass on to their three sons.
New Zealand’s food and fibre sector is on track to deliver record export earnings, with export revenue forecast to reach $64.3 billion in the year ending 30 June 2026.

OPINION: While we're on the topic of lumberjacks, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has no doubt used a chainsaw hundreds of…
OPINION: To a chorus of crying greenies, and not a minute too soon, the Government has moved to put the…