Waikato farm a role model for riparian planting
A Waikato dairy farm which began its first riparian planting project 20 years ago now stands as an exemplar for rural land users, backed by science and clever long-term planning.
Fresh heavy rain around the region over Sunday and Monday means the Waikato Regional Council is again closely monitoring river levels in the region for flood risk.
The heaviest falls have been on the Coromandel Peninsula, where up to 200mm has fallen has fallen in the past day, and more is expected today (July 23) and tomorrow.
The Ohinemuri River flowing through the Karangahake Gorge and past Paeroa is now in flood and road closures are possible, says duty emergency management officer Greg Ryan.
The Piako, Waihou and Waitoa rivers are also expected to become swollen over coming days. Further west, the rain is expected to prolong flooding of the Waikato and Waipa rivers which rose after heavy rains the weekend before last.
"We advise farmers to move stock to higher ground if necessary and for all residents to stay up to date with information regarding river levels,"says Ryan.
"People need to be aware of the potential for inundation of flood plains, surface flooding generally and for transport links to be disrupted."
Ryan says the council's staff will liaise with other agencies over any flood response and keep the public up to date with relevant advice.
"It looks as though we're in for a few very wet days on top of what has already been a very wet July, so risks will certainly be elevated this week."
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
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