Go woke!
OPINION: The Hound reckons the powers at Landcorp (or as they/them like to call themselves, Pāmu) are coming under the microscope with the new government in place.
The raising of six heavy power cables across the Waikato River last week was a milestone in lines company Unison’s work to energise 30 new dairy farms in the Taupo region.
The firm is working with Wairakei Pastoral Ltd and Landcorp to supply what will be, when complete, one of the largest contiguous dairy units in the southern hemisphere.
Chief executive Ken Sutherland says the river crossing was a critical part of the overall project.
“Our crews are building the electrical network and substation to support the additional load these new farms will create.”
Wairakei Pastoral chief executive Chris Parkinson says he is pleased with progress.
“This is a long-term project for us, and we are pleased to have Unison on board and carrying out the vital work required to enable the development.”
Once complete, there will be about 40,000 cows across 25,700ha of land.
Parkinson says the conversions would bring 300-350 jobs into the Central Plateau.
Landcorp, which will farm the land, and Wairakei Pastoral, are keeping watch on the land use change.
“Environmental stewardship drives what we do. The new farms will exceed environmental standards.”
When the electricity network is complete, farm connections will continue.
Southland farmers are welcoming moves by the Government to repeal intensive winter grazing rules.
Third-year student Cady Burns has won the Waikato Regional Council Prize in Water Science for 2024.
Sam McIvor has been appointed OSPRI’s next chief executive.
The Rural Change programme, providing free private mental health professional sessions to the rural industry, is set to continue its next chapter within Rural Support Trust from 1 July 2024.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Sam McIvor will step down in July.
A new report shows farm employers across the dairy, sheep and beef, and arable sectors have continued to invest strongly in one of their greatest assets – their staff.