Cyclone-hit wool scourer reopens
The world's largest wool scouring facility, WoolWorks Awatoto plant in Napier, is back operating at full capacity.
Two months on from Cyclone Gabrielle, Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says it is experiencing high demand from those seeking to access the organisation’s Adverse Events Fund.
RWNZ national president Gill Naylor says the demand for funds was anticipated and it was expected that the response would be ongoing.
“We are grateful for the support shown by our members, groups like the Soil Sisters who have fundraised for us and the generosity of a private benefactor,” Naylor she says.
All up, the donations have resulted in $70,000 in funds being collected so far this year.
“This combined with existing funds means we have been well placed to assist,” she says.
As of this week, over $50,000 in grants have been made to individuals, families and groups in the affected areas.
The majority of grant have been for $1,000 and paid out in the last month.
Over 20 further applications are under consideration and additional requests for support are being received almost daily.
“We value our relationships with agencies such as Rural Support Trust and Catchment Group co-ordinators who are able to alert and refer those in need to this funding,” says Naylor.
“We receive feedback from grant recipients regularly. It is notable, and humbling, that their appreciation is not only for the financial assistance but also the boost of knowing that someone cares about their situation and is willing to help,” she says.
“We know that demand will be ongoing for some time, and we encourage those who are in a position to do so to donate to the Fund knowing that it provides immediate, necessary assistance to individuals and families for costs not covered by insurance or other support.”
If you’d like to donate to the fund, head to https://ruralwomennz.nz/
More bull breeders are using genetic tools according to the latest research.
Females are dominating the veterinary profession worldwide and many farmers are welcoming this change in the composition of the profession, says Britain's Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Professor Christine Middlemiss.
A five-year randomised survey of herbicide resistance on New Zealand arable farms has found widespread high levels of resistance - with 71% of farms affected in the worst-hit region - South Canterbury.
OPINION: The recent Federated Farmers / Rabobank 2024 Farming Salaries Report revealed strong growth in farm salaries over the past two years.
The low unemployment environment is one of the key factors driving on-farm salaries higher over the past 24 months, says Rabobank general manager for country banking Bruce Weir.
Fonterra has appointed a new chief financial officer, seven months after its last CFO’s shock resignation.