'Forestry hysteria' not helpful - forest owners
The New Zealand Farm Forestry Association says that recent comments from Beef + Lamb NZ (B + LNZ) and Federated Farmers are adding to alarm and hysteria around forestry.
The New Zealand Farm Forestry Association (NZFFA) is running 18 extension workshops throughout New Zealand in May and June to target potential tree growers.
National president of NZFFA, Neil Cullen says the timing is ideal for farmers who are interested in diversifying their long-term farm income.
"Trees are not just about the timber potential. They also protect the land and store carbon."
Cullen says farmer and landowner participants will also learn about the benefits of planting different species to help mitigate climate change, provide shade and shelter, reduce erosion and improve water quality.
"This is particularl timely and important when we note the huge areas of erosion caused by the cyclones in Northland, Tairawhiti and Hawke's Bay in January and February. That's why there will be a focus on alternative species to help control erosion."
Go to https://www.nzffa.org.nz/events/ to find out where the workshops are being held and to register.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
The 2026 Red Dairy Cow conference will be hosted by New Zealand in March.
While global dairy commodity prices continue to climb in most key exporting countries, the second half of the year is expected to bring increased downside risks.
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