New Dairy Research Unlocks Better Fertility and Herd Performance in NZ
New research is helping farmers better understand and manage fertility, with clearer tools and measures to support more robust, productive herds.
Late on Friday, Environment Minister David Parker issued a statement saying submissions will be accepted up to two weeks after the official October 17 deadline.
The six week consultation period that was set is the routine timeframe used for submissions to select committees.
“In response to requests, I confirm that the Government will accept submissions up to 5pm on October 31.”
DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle welcomed the announcement - but is calling on Parker to go further.
“A two-week extension is a step in the right direction, but our concerns remain the same. Farmers still need more time to consider the Government’s proposal and to carefully weigh up the impact it may have on their farms, families, and communities,” Mackle said.
“It’s great that the Minister has listened to farming representatives like DairyNZ and Federated Farmers, but we are calling on the Government to go further and extend consultation out to 12 weeks.
“That would allow farmers, and the rest of New Zealand, enough time to properly engage in the process. It might not be good politics, but it might just lead to good policy” Mackle concluded.
