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Some quake-hit beekeepers can’t get to hives

A quake damaged road in the Upper South Island. Photo: NZ Defence Force.

Damaged beehives, bee losses, and difficulty in accessing isolated hives are just some of the challenges Upper South Island beekeepers have faced since the earthquake hit last week.

Fruit fly stopped at border

Ministry for Primary Industries staff have intercepted four Queensland fruit fly larvae at Wellington airport, stopping the dangerous pest from making a home in New Zealand.

Offers of help and cash flow in

The Feds have had teams on the ground and in the air.

A week out from the 7.8 earthquake, offers of help logged with the Federated Farmers 0800 FARMING line have topped 300.

Pressure on local government to fix earthquake damage

Quake damage near Kaikoura. Photo: Wetherells Transport.

Feds' general policy manager, Nick Clark says rural district councils affected by the earthquake will need considerable funding assistance from central government to get their infrastructure back in action.

Quake-hit rural properties a priority this week

The inland road (Kaikoura Emergency Access Route) that emergency services are using. Photo: @NZDefenceForce on Twitter.

Civil Defence Emergency Management will be working to get people out to rural properties in the coming week to check on their welfare and needs.

Talks start on China FTA upgrade

Prime Minister John Key has announced the launch of negotiations to upgrade the New Zealand - China Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Make a plan for facial eczema

Farmers need to have a comprehensive plan in place to manage and mitigate FE.

Farmers need to have a robust facial eczema (FE) prevention plan in place, says animal health company Agritrade.

Irrigation a ‘dam’ good thing

South Canterbury farmer and Irrigation NZ chair Nicky Hyslop discusses the benefits of irrigation to Grasslands Conference-goers at a field day on her South Canterbury property.

The Opuha Dam irrigation project is bringing $126 million annually into the South Canterbury region, says local farmer Nicky Hyslop.

Promises of productivity gains and environmental answers

Professor Derrick Moot received the New Zealand Grassland Trust’s highest research accolade, the Ray Brougham Trophy, at last week’s conference in Timaru.

The recent New Zealand Grassland Association “packed” its annual conference with papers promising productivity gains and environmental solutions for pastoral farmers, the organisers say.

Genetic modification rules need changing – Feds’ boss

New Zealand's regulations on genetically modified agriculture are “not fit for purpose,” says South Canterbury farmer and national president of Federated Farmers, William Rolleston.