Green but not much grass!
Dairy farmers in the lower North Island are working on protecting next season, according to Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre, who farms just north of the Horowhenua township of Levin.
Too passive: that's how the Government's chief science advisor Sir Peter Gluckman has described farmers' attitudes to research.
Gluckman told last week's Federated Farmers conference in Wellington that the primary sector has sat back and largely left the decisions on R&D to government departments and CRI's, not getting involved in the process.
Strong dialogue with science policy people and providers is essential, he says.
"Noise matters; Governments listen to noise," Gluckman told the Feds. "The farming sector needs to be an active player engaged in R&D. Some people claim the primary sector takes and gives little in investment in science."
Farmers must actively suggest research objectives because they know what they need.
"Farmers need to invest in R&D and apply technology if they are to remain competitive."
Gluckman also criticised the lack of long term research in NZ. Much of the research done by AgResearch, Fonterra and LIC, and via the PGP scheme, is short term. Long term research is very important to the primary sector.
He also expressed other concerns about farming in NZ.
"Until now we have relied very heavily on low cost, high quality production distinguishing us from our competitors," he said.
"But this competitive advantage is rapidly eroding. The cost of dairy production in Europe is falling dramatically and the quality of production of some farm products from Latin America it is rising rapidly."
Farm technology and practices worldwide are diminishing NZ's competitive advantage and soon we may not be the cheapest producer of high quality products.
The European Union Ambassador says the new free trade agreement (FTA) between the bloc and New Zealand will bring significant benefits to both parties.
Less Wellington bureucracy and more local, on-farm common sense was the focus of recent meetings held in South Canterbury as part of the Government's National Woolshed tour program.
'A lot of interest and positive responses' appears to be the way farmers are viewing the Government's initiative to hold a series of woolshed meetings around the country.
A Southland farming leader wants the regional council to delay a proposed regional rates hike, much of which is intended to fund flood protection works.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says access to personal banking services in rural communities is fundamental to promoting outcomes that benefit Kiwi consumers.
A group set up to boost education and promotion of wool says it has made positive strides during the first year of its three-year strategy.