Editorial: Don't take away farmers' tools
OPINION: Farmers are being put on notice by the Green Party.
Your old mate notes that the Greens latest policy – in its desire to 'clean up the country's rivers' – is to implement a wholesale ban on future dairy farm conversions.
The policy would bring down a ban preventing any rural landowner in NZ from ever being able to convert land to dairy. No wonder Labour's primary industries spokesman Damien O'Connor is walking round with a face like a slapped bum. He is likely to be shafted in respect of the primary sector portfolio in a Labour/Green coalition: it is common knowledge that Labour would happily give this portfolio to the Greens, and renowned farming hater Eugene Sage would likely get it. The Hound reckons it might be a good time for him to retire and go where he can actually make a difference.
Federated Farmers' new vice president Sandra Faulkner says the issue of adverse events emergency management and infrastructure needs to be taken out of the three-year political cycle.
Building a strong team is one of the biggest drivers of a successful sheep and beef business, but it can also be one of the tougher parts to get right.
Blueberry growers are warning that fresh imports could pose a huge biosecurity risk for NZ’s horticulture sector.
As expected, the US has launched a safeguard investigation into lamb imports, a move that could impact New Zealand sheepmeat returns.
A milk glut around the world shows no sign of easing, putting downward pressure on farmgate milk prices for the next few months.
A pause on Waikato Regional Council's (WRC) plan change that sets new freshwater rules for farming could be announced in the coming weeks.