Rewarding farmers who embrace sustainability
Winners of DairyNZ’s Sustainability and Stewardship awards in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards have their eyes firmly fixed on progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy.
DairyNZ is encouraging Canterbury farmers to look out for each other and access support agencies for assistance amid flooding in the region.
“We have seen farmers working well together and supporting their neighbours through this weather event – it’s always encouraging to see farmers and rural communities working together in times of need,” said DairyNZ head of the South Island, Tony Finch.
“Good advance warning did enable many farmers to be prepared but we are working closely to monitor the situation and encourage farmers to keep farm teams and neighbours safe.”
With Moving Day currently also underway, many Canterbury farmers are attempting to shift properties and livestock.
“Farmers who haven’t started shifting should only move stock if the roads are confirmed as open throughout the route and the destination farm can receive stock,” said Tony.
“We encourage the farm owners, sharemilkers and graziers to discuss Moving Day plans and be flexible – as we know flooding has resulted in road closures and flooding on properties. Keep in close contact with transport providers.”
“For farmers, continued support is needed through the recovery phase. The initial focus will be on livestock welfare, reviewing and securing necessary winter feed, and repairing on-farm infrastructure. Farmers should review their feed supply and how they can manage that, if there is a shortage.”
DairyNZ and primary sector organisations are working with farmers to support them through recovery. “We know there will be challenges for some farmers, particularly around feed availability, animal care and damage to farms.”
For affected farms, stress will be an issue that may increase over the coming week.
“We encourage people to talk to friends and family and the Rural Support Trust or DairyNZ if they need any assistance,” says Finch.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.
New Zealand farmers are committed to making their businesses more resilient to climate change and are embracing innovation to help them do so.
Atiamuri farmers Paul and Lesley Grey never gave up their dream of owning their own farm – and in 2020, that dream came true.
Fonterra is exploring full or partial divestment options for its global Consumer business, as well as its integrated businesses Fonterra Oceania and Fonterra Sri Lanka.