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 […]
environment
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 […]
Checklist will help get winter grazing right
The pressure to take more care when preparing for winter grazing is on farmers nationwide, most notably in Southland and Otago. To try and make it easier to avoid problems early, the primary industry groups have collaborated to produce a checklist for farmers, to help everyone work their way through what can always be a […]
Horizons Regional Council to lead partnership in constructing wetland for Lake Horowhenua restoration
Horizons Regional Council have reached a major milestone in the path to restoring Lake Horowhenua by securing a land package to construct a nationally significant wetland complex. Governance Group Chair for the project and Horizons’ Chair Rachel Keedwell says the land package was purchased for $6.75m, with $5.6m of that coming from central government’s Jobs […]
New farmer-led sustainability project launched in Waimakariri
Annabelle and Georgie Stalker are the sixth generation on their family’s Waimakariri farm – their father Richard is now joining dozens of other local farmers in an MPI-funded project to ensure the future of farming under new regulations. The Stalkers are part of a three-year, farmer-led sustainability project launched in the Waimakariri District. The nearly […]
Farmers encouraged to tick off new wintering checklist
Farmers preparing to graze livestock on fodder crops this winter are being encouraged to use a new checklist and other practical resources now available sector-wide. The farming sector is focused on improving winter grazing and eliminating practices that impact on the environment and animal welfare. A new wintering checklist and winter grazing plans designed to help […]
Seeking NZ’s next sustainability champion
Nominations are now open to find a trailblazing young person who is leading the way on environmental sustainability in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is proud to partner with the Sustainable Business Network, sponsoring this year’s Change Maker category of the Sustainable Business Awards. Nominees must be aged 30 years or under, […]