Editorial: Sensible move
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.
Federated Farmers is pleased to see the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme in Hawke's Bay has another green light.
The Hawke's Bay Regional Council (HBRC) has confirmed its intention to invest in the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme.
HBRC has approved its $80 million investment with a 7-2 vote, agreeing that all four of the conditions required for investment had been met.
The investment follows more than 190 Signed Water User Agreements in support of the scheme.
Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay provincial president Will Foley says the Ruataniwha Plains are highly vulnerable to drought and this dam will ensure a reliable water source to preserve the family farming traditions in the region.
"The dam will protect farmers' productivity, particularly through the summer and autumn periods when it's drier," says Foley.
"Today's decision is a positive step towards the region receiving true tangible benefits while maintaining the community's environmental values.
"There will be more interest especially from arable growers who will benefit greatly from a reliable water source."
Farmers in the region have signed a 35-year contract for the scheme and will make adjustments from traditional dry-land farming to irrigation farming.
"It's been a long time in the making but there's a real sense of excitement around how positive this is for the region," says Foley.
"The local economy will thrive with the returns from more high-value primary industry products being exported around the world."
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.
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