Planting to feed the bees
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) have released a handbook offering guidance on how to plant strategically to feed bees.
New Zealand's famous free range cook, Annabel Langbein, has become an 'ambassador' for New Zealand bees.
The cookbook author and television presenter has joined forces with the National Beekeepers Association to work on projects that help promote and protect our kiwi bees. She will work officially with the NBA to help spread the message that bees are vitally important and that they need our help to survive.
"My father kept bees as a hobby, so I grew up watching him tend the hives in our Wellington backyard," she says.
"And as a free range cook who uses nature as my pantry I thoroughly appreciate the importance of bees and the hugely critical role they play in our everyday lives – not to mention the value they add to our economy through pollination."
NBA President Barry Foster is delighted Langbein has come on board.
"Part of the NBA's role is to make sure the public and the policymakers understand the issues our members – and our bees – face and Annabel will give us a high-profile voice when it comes to generating awareness."
The NBA is currently working with MPI to properly establish for the first time the scale of losses that beekeepers are suffering and what's causing bees to die. This will help beekeepers take the right action to stop those losses.
The NBA is also trying to stop the importation of Australian honey because of the increased risk of pests and disease entering this country and it is working with the government on border biosecurity issues.
"There is a lot to do in a short time and having Annabel on board will help us get public support while we do the behind-the-scenes work with officials," says Foster.
Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…