Green but not much grass!
Dairy farmers in the lower North Island are working on protecting next season, according to Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre, who farms just north of the Horowhenua township of Levin.
Federated Farmers is thrilled the Ruataniwha Water Storage scheme has made another significant step towards hitting go.
It was confirmed sufficient water sign-up will make the Hawkes Bay scheme cash positive.
Hawke's Bay Regional Investment Company (HBRIC) announced recently it has 196 Signed Water User Agreements, the numbers needed for the project to proceed.
Federated Farmers Hawkes Bay provincial president Will Foley says the dam will preserve the inter-generational nature of family farming in the Hawkes Bay.
"It's a great outcome for the region, and another positive step toward reaching regional benefits," he said.
"The Ruataniwha plains are highly vulnerable to drought, this dam will help protect farmers' productivity particularly through the summer and autumn periods and enable them to work towards higher value produce."
"The hardest part of getting this scheme underway was knowing whether the farmers would commit to this scheme with a 35 year contract and a change in the way they have been farming from traditional dry-land to irrigation."
Foley said that yesterday the message was loud and clear that CHB farmers are fully committed to the scheme and want to see this proceed.
"In turn this will have huge positive benefits to the whole of Hawkes Bay and I can't wait to see the transformation of from the dam construction, farm productivity, thriving communities and high value produce being exported from within the region all while maintaining the community's environmental values," he says.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.