DairyNZ Celebrates Women Leaders on International Women’s Day
DairyNZ Chair Tracy Brown has seen a lot of change since she first started out in the dairy sector, with around one-third of dairy farmers now women.
DairyNZ says it has suggested the Government take up the option of on-farm self isolation for migrant farm workers amid a lack of MIQ spaces at the border.
DairyNZ says it has put a number of suggestions to the Government about how the sector could manage labour needs and health risks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
On-farm isolation is an option, says DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle.
"Farms are already away from communities, and farmers are used to maintaining good hygiene standards."
Alongside work to recruit international workers, DairyNZ has a range of initiatives underway to attract Kiwis into dairy, including GoDairy. A new campaign will also soon be launched to give Kiwis a better understanding of what it means to be a dairy farmer.
DairyNZ is also leading the development of a Dairy Workforce Resilience Plan which will involve farmers, dairy companies, sector groups and the Government in creating an evidence-based roadmap to put the sector on a sustainable path to recruit and retain people.
Salaries for people working on dairy farms have increased significantly over the past two years, and many roles offer accommodation on site.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.
The head of Massey University's School of Agriculture and the Environment, Professor Paul Kenyon, says the outlook for the primary sector is positive with record numbers of students enrolling for Massey's range of undergraduate courses in the primary sector.
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