Rowarth appointed DairyNZ deputy chair
DairyNZ has appointed Jacqueline Rowarth as its first deputy board chair.
DairyNZ says it is encouraged by reports of good winter grazing practices this year, with farmers nudging other farmers to deliver on good practice too.
“Most farmers are focused on delivering and we are largely seeing good practices as we head through winter,” says Sharon Morrell, DairyNZ farm performance general manager.
She says farmers expect a team effort and to see assistance delivered for any farmers who need it. “As a sector, we are committed to delivering winter grazing that protects our animals and environment – this motivation is really evident this season, and farmers are taking action and adopting new practices.”
Morrell says managing wet weather is challenging for any farm system but there are options for farmers facing difficult conditions, such as shifting stock off the crop during adverse weather or to shelter under trees or hedges.
“We’re encouraging farmers to have a plan written down and to discuss it with the team – keep reviewing it each and every wet weather event. Keep sharpening the system each time rain or snow is forecast.”
Morrell says DairyNZ is encouraging farmers to use the Winter Grazing Hotline which farmers can do by calling 0800 FARMING.
The advice comes after Environment Southland performed an aerial inspection of farms in the region which saw a good level of compliance across the areas covered.
However, Environment Southland says intensive winter grazing is a high-risk activity.
In data released last month, Environment Southland said it had investigated 18 incidents and/or properties related to intensive winter grazing, while 14 were reviewed and confirmed as having no breaches.
A further three were found as needing investigation during the inspection flight.
Angus Barr and Tara Dwyer of The Wandle, Lone Star Farms in Strath Taieri have been named the Regional Supreme Winners at the Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards in Dunedin.
OPINION: The distress that the politicians and bureaucrats are causing to the people of Wairoa and the wider Tairāwhiti is unforgivable.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
World Veterinary Day falls on Saturday 27 April.