Feds make case for rural bank lending probe
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
Reaching those in need and getting a good understanding of where the need is greatest are the biggest challenges Federated Farmers is facing now in the earthquake response.
The response to the Federated Farmers earthquake assistance line has been “fantastic”.
They are fielding plenty of offers of help for North Canterbury farmers affected by the earthquakes but the big challenge is reaching those who may be most in need.
The number 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646) was set up for farmers to tell us what they need, and for us to match them up with people making offers of assistance, Federated Farmers Adverse Events spokesperson Katie Milne says.
"In these situations, a lot of people want to offer support but it’s not always clear who needs it, especially in an area like this where power and communications outages make contact so difficult.
"And we are already directing help out to those who have contacted us and asked for support.
"What we need first and foremost are farmers with their own tools and who can be self-sufficient to work on farm houses in bad repair."
Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Lynda Murchison has been on the go since the earthquakes hit and has fielded calls from many, many generous people wishing to help others.
"But we need to get a good understanding of where the need is greatest.
"Many roads and phone connections are cut-off, and farmers in isolated areas are likely to be busy out on the land rescuing animals and repairing damage.
"We’re using our own networks to reach out and identify the areas worst affected, and we’re on standby to assist where we can when the picture becomes clearer.
"We’re grateful to all those who have offered support. As work begins to recover from the big shake and the after-shocks, it’s clear the Kiwi spirit of helping out neighbours is alive and well."
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.