Displaying items by tag: MPI

New Zealand is about to open a new front in the war on rabbits with the expected release of a new strain of rabbit haemorrhagic disease, or calicivirus.

New freshwater reforms will result in 56,000 km more fences protecting New Zealand waterways from stock – enough to go round the world one and a half times, says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.

A newly-released report shows major environmental and economic gains for farmers in using reticulated stock water systems, claims Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy says several regions -- in addition to Northland – are under close drought watch.

More precise aerial fertiliser spreading has already proven to give greater environmental gains than blanket topdressing, says fertiliser company Ravensdown.

Farmers need to stay positive; dealing with drought is part of the challenge of farming, particularly in Northland, says Okaihau dairy farmer Roger Hutchings.

The pest plant velvetleaf should be high on cropping farmers’ minds over the next few months.

The Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, says independent quake-relief volunteer efforts are “fantastic”, but he suggests farmers needing help get it via a Federated Farmers scheme.

Farmers who need an extra hand on the farm as a result of November’s earthquake and aftershocks can call 0800 FARMING (327 646) and have their needs matched with skilled workers and volunteers.

Southland landowners are being urged to continue to be proactive in the fight against the pest weed velvetleaf, as the next phase of the response gets underway.