State roadshow talking all things wool
'A lot of interest and positive responses' appears to be the way farmers are viewing the Government's initiative to hold a series of woolshed meetings around the country.
Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard believes the agriculture sector is “losing a friend” with the shock resignation of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
He told Rural News that Ardern was one of the “more supportive” voices that farmers had among Cabinet Ministers.
“Many people may think I’ve had too much to drink during the holidays, but within that Cabinet, she supported the ag sector more than anyone else.”
“We may get a new PM who doesn’t share her views.”
On He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) – an ag sector group set up to work closely with the Government on emissions pricing – Hoggard says he found that Ardern was willing to support recommendations from the industry group.
He claims that there were some ministers who wanted to “chuck agriculture into an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) straight away”.
But Hoggard adds that, while Ardern was supportive of the farming sector, one of the criticisms she will face is that farmers faced an avalanche of regulations while she was at the helm of the Government.
Hoggard says he was “shocked like others” to hear the news of Ardern’s resignation.
He believes farmers, like other New Zealanders, will be watching with interest to see who will take over as Labour leader and PM until the general election in October.
The Labour caucus meets on Sunday to elect a new leader. Chris Hipkins is said to be front runner at this stage.
Ardern says being Prime Minister has been the greatest honour of her life but she couldn’t continue in the role any more.
“With holding such a privileged role comes responsibility, including the responsibility to know when you’re the right person to lead, and also when you’re not.
“I have given my absolute all to being Prime Minister but it has also taken a lot out of me. You cannot and should not do the job unless you have a full tank, plus a bit in reserve for those unplanned and unexpected challenges that inevitably come along.
“Having reflected over summer, I know I no longer have that bit extra in the tank to do the job justice. It’s that simple.”
Nine lucky school leavers passionate about farming will join Pamu for a two-year journey into agriculture, living and working at Pamu farm, Aratiatia near Taupo.
Nutritionists are urging Kiwis to kickstart their day with a piece of fresh fruit to help improve their health and wellbeing this autumn.
Under its innovation strategy, Craigmore Sustainables says it is collaborating with new innovators of technology across sustainability, people, animals and business management to enhance New Zealand's dairy sector.
Deeply cynical and completely illogical. That's how Kimberly Crewther, the executive director of DCANZ is describing the Canadian government's flagrant breach of international trade law in refusing to open its market to New Zealand dairy exports.
This week the winner of the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy for the top Māori Dairy farm will be announced at a gala dinner in Hamilton.
Once-a-day milking (OAD) can increase or lower the amounts of proteins in milk, according to a new study published in the journal Dairy.