Farmers Warned Over Track Dangers After Wairarapa Floods
The terrible floods that hit the Wairarapa may have subsided, but the danger to farmers still exists, according to local Federated Farmers president Rob Hickson.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has revoked the restrictions on lighting outdoor fires in Wairarapa’s southern coastal area.
From 8am Monday 3 February, all of Wairarapa will be in an open fire season, meaning people in the region can light outdoor fires without a permit.
Wellington District Manager Brett Lockyer says wetter, less windy conditions have slowed the rapid drying of vegetation like pasture grasses, coastal dune grasses, gorse, scrub, and pine forests.
"The fire risk has come back down because any fires that get started or escape controlled burns will be slower-moving and easier to control," he says.
"While you don’t need fire permits in an open season, we do still ask people to take sensible precautions when lighting fires.”
Lockyer advises people to check the fire safety advice at checkitsalright.nz.
"While you don’t need fire permits in an open season, we do still ask people to take sensible precautions when lighting fires,” he adds.
Meat Industry Association chief executive Nick Beeby says there’s now much closer cooperation between meat processing companies than there was many years ago.
A new fruit quality research laboratory has been opened in Auckland by agritech company Hectre to develop pioneering hyperspectral technology.
Farmer lobby Groundswell believes that farmers are worried about the implications of a potential centre-left government.
With less than a week to go before voters choose the next government, Federated Farmers has a simple message to its members - get out and vote.
Students will be able to study Agriculture and Horticultural Science from Year 11, creating a clear pathway into Years 12 and 13 and future careers in New Zealand’s primary industries, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
Good news for Fonterra farmers. The co-op has raised this season’s farmgate milk price mid-point by 25c to $9.75/kgMS.

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