Dry weather classification expands to North Island
The dry weather in some parts of the North Island has received medium-scale adverse event classification from the Government.
They help prevent flooding and drought by building leaky dams, but UK farmers are concerned about their reintroduction.
Late last month, a pair of Eurasian beavers were released in Somerset in South West England by the National Trust.
The release follows the UK conservation governing body’s announcement in November last year that it would be releasing the beavers into two sites in the south of England.
Beavers became extinct in England in the 16th century after intensive hunting for their fur, meat, and scent glands.
The National Trust says their reintroduction can reduce flooding and improve biodiversity.
But not everyone is happy about their reintroduction.
Farming UK reports that the National Farmers' Union (NFU) has expressed concern about the reintroduction of the species.
It says that the NFU believes releasing the animals loose in the wild could have a 'massive impact' on farming and the countryside.
NFU senior countryside adviser Claire Robinson told The Telegraph: “Any species introduction, particularly if it has not been in this country for hundreds of years, can have a massive impact on the many benefits that the countryside and farming delivers,
“Beavers in the wild could have potentially serious implications on farmland such as land drains being blocked in lowland arable areas.”
A new University of Exeter study looks to validate some of the NFU’s concerns.
The five-year study on the impacts of beavers on the English countryside found that whilst the animals can bring ‘measurable benefits’ to people and wildlife, some farmers will be affected.
The study shows that the animals created ‘adverse impact’ on five farmland sites.
The authors state that beavers will create ‘localised problems’ for a ‘handful of farmers and property owners’.
They add that the reduction of flood risk in communities downstream may come at a cost of water being stored on farmland upstream.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Two major red meat sector projects are getting up to a combined $1.7 million in funding from the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).
Angus Barr and Tara Dwyer of The Wandle, Lone Star Farms in Strath Taieri have been named the Regional Supreme Winners at the Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards in Dunedin.
OPINION: The distress that the politicians and bureaucrats are causing to the people of Wairoa and the wider Tairāwhiti is unforgivable.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.