Young water science talent recognised
Third-year student Cady Burns has won the Waikato Regional Council Prize in Water Science for 2024.
The Waikato Regional Council says it's keeping a close watch on dry conditions in the region.
"Soil moisture levels in the region are down on normal for this time of year, so we're keeping an eye on how things go given the potential for any ongoing dry weather to affect farming and other activities," says chairman Peter Buckley, a north Waikato dairy farmer.
"The conditions this summer were predicted and we're not hearing any widespread reports of dry weather-related stress amongst the Waikato farming community or elsewhere at this point.
"But, in liaison with other agencies such as the Ministry of Primary Industries and the Rural Support Trust, we'll continue to keep track of soil moisture and waterway levels, and monitor how the rural community in particular is faring.
"I encourage people to use water wisely given the current conditions."
Several times in recent years, the regional council has been involved with establishing a multi-agency regional drought committee to coordinate responses to summer drought situations.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.