MSA triumph
OPINION: Methane Science Accord, a farmer-led organisation advocating for zero tax on ruminant methane, will be quietly celebrating its first foray into fertiliser co-operative governance.
Fertiliser co-op Ravensdown says some of its stores have been affected by the series of earthquakes this morning.
It is also warning farmers that supply of fertiliser to some stores could be affected by road closures.
The co-op’s Marlborough store is being assessed by staff and will re-open at 7am tomorrow. The Cheviot store could not be contacted due to phone congestion and it is likely to be closed for the day due to road closures.
Some staff made it into the Culverden store, however access to the store may be limited by road closures; the store is open but running on limited resources.
Stores in Nelson and Amberley are open after visual inspections by staff.
Ravensdown’s quarries at Ngarua and Whiterock Lime are open but will not be producing lime until production buildings are inspected and passed safe by engineers.
“We will continue to despatch lime and should have sufficient quantity on hand to minimise any supply disruption,” it says.
“Our manufacturing plants are operational, have been assessed by staff, and look okay; engineering reports will be prepared as required. At this stage no North Island stores are affected.”
The co-op says several main roads remain closed.
“Until roads are more closely assessed today we will not know for how long they will be closed. There is likely to be some ongoing interruption to supply of fertiliser to these stores while roads are repaired.”
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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