Many high country and hill farmers in Canterbury have permits from ECan allowing them to burn during September, BUT we need to remember to please contact Fire and Emergency NZ first, this is essential to ensure fires are managed safely during Level 3 lockdown. We all understand that the use of fire is an important […]
environment
Escalating women leaders
“To be a good leader, you have to first know your ‘why,’” says Ravensdown shareholder and Agri-Women’s Development Trust (AWDT) Escalator programme graduate Donna Cram. “For me it is to connect people across agricultural communities using values-based communication to empower collaboration.” Donna, a dairy farmer at Wylan Dene farm near Awatuna in South Taranaki, was […]
Beekeepers’ message to Kiwis this September: Love bees? Plant trees (when you can)!
Beekeepers are calling on bee-lovers across New Zealand to take what actions they can to improve the health and resilience of Kiwi bee populations this September for Bee Aware Month. Apiculture New Zealand, the national body representing beekeepers and honey producers, is asking Kiwis to Feed the Bees by planting bee-friendly trees and plants this […]
The ultimate example of an environmental and business win:win
Taupo-based Activated Carbon NZ Ltd is using waste sawdust from sawmills and turning it into activated carbon, right here in New Zealand. Activated carbon is a product that is used in a wide range of applications, including removing toxic gases in industrial waste and effluent, to purify water, and in the supplement, cosmetic, and food […]
Water Services Bill – Bad news
Bad news… Feds and small water suppliers have been ignored in the submission process, while my community spent time together this week at the community hall which will be affected they are unwittingly captured by the Water Services Bill. The Bill is unworkable at the small-scale. Regardless of the effectiveness of ‘acceptable solutions’ for small […]
Feds’ worst fears realised on drinking water reforms
Federated Farmers is profoundly disappointed to see the Water Services Bill reported back to the Parliament with the definition of a “water supplier” unchanged. “The government has now signed itself up for the enormous task of tracking down every single source of drinking water in the land and making them belong to a register if […]
Farmax adds extra benefit to Ballance Farm Environment Awards
Farmax is excited to announce they are now a sponsor of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards. The Ballance Farm Environment Awards are run by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust to recognise innovative and passionate Kiwi farmers who have embedded sustainability into the foundation of their farm businesses. “Farmax is thrilled to be supporting the […]
Forest Owners say production trees are potentially farming’s biggest friend
The President of the Forest Owners Association has told delegates to the Primary Industries Summit in Christchurch that forestry offers many opportunities for farmers. He said trees versus food production arguments are misleading and detract from opportunities to improve the sustainability and profitability of the wider farming sector Phil Taylor has told delegates that not […]
You’ve heard of pest animals, but what about pest plants?
These introduced species can threaten our region’s natural environment, recreational activities, and primary industries. These plants can be just as harmful to our environment as pest animals. They can outcompete or smothering native plants, dry wetlands and rivers, reduce habitats for native animals, and grow rapidly in waterways. Some of these species are also harmful […]
Indigenous fungus may help to control wilding pines
An indigenous New Zealand fungus may help to control wilding pines – one of the country’s most ecologically damaging weed species – a student’s research project shows. Wilding pine control costs New Zealand millions of dollars a year, and involves the costly and time-consuming methods of cutting down the trees and spraying herbicide from the […]