M.I.A.
OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.
Hokitika-based Westland Milk Products has been registered as an Essential Service and is processing milk.
It says operational staff at its Hokitika and Rolleston plants are operating under strict New Zealand Government guidelines to keep themselves and the community safe.
Westland chief executive Toni Brendish said all staff essential to manufacturing and distribution were now working on Westland premises with the rest of the staff working from home.
Staff required to travel to work had been issued with authorised letters confirming their employment within an Essential Service to show to authorities.
Brendish said Westland’s partners and employees all along its supply chain, such as farmers, tanker drivers, manufacturing and distribution employees, were all working under strict guidance from the Government on social distancing and safety rules.
“We’re extremely grateful of the recognition we have received from all our employees and business partners of the need to keep essential services such as food production operating as efficiently and safely as possible,’’ Brendish said.
“The work they have been doing to support each other and the community has been outstanding.’’
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
OPINION: In the past weeks, much has been said and written about one of New Zealand's greatest prime ministers, James Brendan Bolger, who died just a few months after his 90th birthday.
Following recent storms in the region, the 69th edition of the Tour of Southland cycling event has been postponed.