2018/19 — The summer of fruit flies
Not long after a few BMSB post-border detections were dealt with, another familiar biosecurity threat has raised its head.
Rural land holders in three areas totalling around 900ha on the outskirts of New Plymouth are being invited to join a possum control scheme that already covers almost all the Taranaki ring plain.
The Taranaki Regional Council wants to extend its Self-Help Possum Control Programme to about 160 properties south and east of the city, stretching from the coast north of Omata to Mangorei Rd.
"Possums are a major threat to agriculture, forestry and native biodiversity, and the self-help programme has allowed Taranaki to keep them under control," says the council's animal pest manager, Steve Ellis. "The scheme's been running since 1992 and by the end of this year it will cover 231,000ha.
"It's an effective partnership between land owners and the council, and it enjoys good support from farmers."
The New Plymouth sections will be included in the programme if at least 75% of land occupiers, representing at least 75% of the land area, agree to take part. Council contractors will undertake an initial "knock-down" operation to reduce possum numbers to a very low level. All land holders in the area will then be obliged to maintain the low level by undertaking annual control.
"We provide advice, education and assistance to the land occupiers," says Ellis. "For example, we supply traps and baits at cost price, organise the training and licensing that's needed for using some types of baits, and supply lists of certified contractors if people don't want to do the maintenance work themselves."
The council is approaching land holders individually about joining the scheme. A decision is expected by early March, with the initial knock-down operation to run for six to eight weeks beginning shortly afterwards.
Land holders with questions about the programme can call the council on 0800 736 222 and ask for the Animal Pest section.
Another 16 commercial beef farmers have been selected to take part in the Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme designed to help drive the uptake of genetics in the industry.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Kiwi exporters will be $100 million better off today as the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into force.
Making things simpler, not harder, for deer farmers in farm planning and coping with regulations is Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) industry capability manager John Ladley’s current focus.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) is launching an online business directory called The Country Women’s Collective to promote and support entrepreneurial rural women.
New Zealand actor Sam Neill has joined the Campaign for Wool NZ as an ambassador, lending his name and profile to educate and advocate for New Zealand strong wool.
Living labs that bring together expertise at locations around New Zealand are among potential solutions identified by researchers to help the country move towards a more climate resilient future.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…