Dates confirmed for annual hunting competition
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has announced that its annual Pureora Hunting Competition will open on 16 March.
In a combined effort with Environment Canterbury and Christchurch City Council, DOC is asking local landowners for sightings of Lythrum salicaria, commonly known as purple loosestrife.
Once popular for planting alongside residential ponds and streams, purple loosestrife has jumped the garden fence to invade precious wetland habitats, river margins and has even been found marching into farmland. With a growth of up to two metres, it has potential to override natives and pasture alike.
Biodiversity ranger Craig Alexander has seen this first hand. "Purple loosestrife can be a real issue for farmers, invading pasture and waterways and clogging drains. Once established, you're looking at several years of active control to deal with the problem. Sadly it's not just a matter of digging it out."
"Purple loosestrife is easy to identify—just look out for the bright purple-magenta flower heads that are on show from December to February. By winter, all the foliage dies off to re-emerge in the summer so it is important to nip it in the bud while it is visible."
If you suspect you have seen purple loosestrife on public or private land, contact Craig Alexander on 03 341 9110 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
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.
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