From the CEO: Our Good Reputation
OPINION: Harvest begins, and almost immediately we start to get media enquiries about how the vintage is going and whether it is going to be a good year for New Zealand wine.
The Waikato Regional Council is urging farmers help stop the spread of dangerous weeds in the Waikato region.
At this time of year stock feed is harvested and sold for use during winter. However, such feed can contain weeds that can be spread along with the feed.
Waikato Regional Council’s pest plants team leader Wendy Mead says farmers can do their bit to help prevent weed spread by asking local feed sellers to guarantee feed such as hay and silage are weed free.
Farmers should also be alert to the risk of weed spread when buying feed from neighbouring regions.
“Some serious crop weeds of very limited distribution in the Waikato, such as Noogoora bur, are known to be more common in some neighbouring regions,” says Mead.
“Don’t be shy asking suppliers about any past weed problems with their feed and if feed can be inspected prior to purchase.
“If feed comes from overseas, only buy from reputable dealers and again ask for a guarantee that it is weed free.
“Keep records of where feed comes from and where it is fed out in case any weeds develop later.”
Mead says the council is happy to provide advice on what to look for during feed inspections and how to deal with any issues or problems that arose.
Farmers can call 0800 BIOSEC (246732) to contact the pest plants team.
Key pest plants that are at risk of spreading through stock feed are Noorgoora Burr, alligator weed, and velvetleaf.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.