Federated Farmers is pleased to see the Government has approved border class exceptions for a number of international agricultural workers for early 2022. The border exceptions will allow approved workers to assist with the shearing and arable sectors over their peak busy period. The Government has also made some changes to the current dairy worker […]
Report confirms trend of carbon farms cannabalising pastoral farming
The latest analysis of farm sales data confirms the increasing price of carbon in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is driving the conversion of whole pastoral farms into forestry, particularly for carbon farming. Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is tracking data on farm sales for conversion into forestry as concerns continue to grow over […]
Economic Week – 17 December
by Nick Clark, Manager National Policy A bumper issue this week with a flood of economic data. This will be my last economic update for the year. It’ll be back in the New Year. In the meantime, I wish readers a happy and relaxing Christmas and holiday period – and a prosperous 2022. GDP falls […]
Feds appeals RLC’s self-serving dismissal of rural ward call
By Colin Guyton, President Federated Farmers Rotorua/Taupo Federated Farmers is appealing the recent Rotorua Lakes Council (RLC) decision on their final representation arrangements for the 2022 and 2025 elections to the Local Government Commission. The appeal would have been lodged regardless as we continue to seek better representation of rural communities around the council chamber […]
Coroner inquest delays, case blow-out concerns Federated Farmers
A dramatic drop in the number of coroner’s inquests being undertaken and long delays before cases are heard and findings released are concerning trends, Federated Farmers health and safety spokesperson Karen Williams says. “From media reports it does seem that our coroners are sinking under the workload. They shouldn’t be put in this situation,” Karen, […]
Govt urged to heed the facts and save the live export trade
The government deserves the kudos and international recognition it has gained for its facts-driven stance on handling COVID-19. Federated Farmers has asked it to take the same approach on the future of livestock exports. Submissions on the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill, which would legislate an end to livestock exports from New Zealand, closed earlier this […]
Big Brothers, Big Sisters chase bigger rural presence
Big Brothers, Big Sisters – the organisation that matches mentors with young people who need a caring adult outside of their own family to interact with – is looking to up its reach in rural New Zealand. BBBS national CEO Drew Ewan says farmers have a lot to offer youngsters, especially those from towns who […]
Tested positive, and now warns others: Don’t underestimate COVID
Take it from someone who’s had it – if you get COVID-19, it’s highly likely it will bowl you for six. Charles Taituha, who these days is an advisor contracted to Beef+Lamb NZ and several Māori entities, warns that if you get it, “you’re quite likely to be buggered for two or three days. “Just […]
East Coast Expo panel will focus on youth in farming
The world is the oyster of those who choose to be part of an industry that contributes to the most important thing in the world – sustainably produced food. Lincoln University Adjunct Professor Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, Growing Future Farmers general manager Cyn Smith and Napier Boys’ High School head of agriculture Rex Newman all say […]
Another day at the office for Pip…
Is this one of the best rural photos of the year (even decade)? It was snapped earlier this week by Pahiatua farmer and Federated Farmers member Nick Perry and has already been seized on by media as a compelling shot. This is how Nick described what happend: While crossing a culvert on farm I heard […]