Scientists counting down to MethaneSAT satellite launch
NIWA scientists leading New Zealand’s MethaneSAT agricultural emissions science programme are gearing up for the launch of its satellite.
Farmers across the country can expect mild and steady conditions in the upcoming months says the Seasonal Climate Outlook report from NIWA. Temperatures nationwide are estimated to be above average – while rain is predicted to fall at a normal rate.
The equatorial Pacific Ocean remains in a neutral state (neither El Niño nor La Niña). International guidance indicates that neutral conditions are very likely to continue over the next three months (April -June). Higher pressures are likely to prevail over and to the south of the South Island during the season.
Temperatures for late autumn (April –-June) are likely to be above average across the North Island, and are very likely to be above average across the South Island. Sea surface temperatures in late autumn are predicted to remain above average around the South Island, and be close to normal around the North Island.
Rainfall for the April -June period as a whole is forecast to be in the near normal range for all regions. Soil moisture levels are likely to be below normal for the north of the North Island for late autumn, and normal or below normal for the remainder of the country.
River flows are tipped to be below normal for the North Island and the north of the South Island, and normal to below normal elsewhere. Because of the existing soil moisture deficits across the North Island and in the eastern South Island, soil moisture levels and river flows are expected to take some time to recover in these areas.
For this tropical cyclone season (November - April), the risk of an ex-tropical cyclone approaching New Zealand remains near normal. On average, one ex-tropical cyclone nears New Zealand during the season.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.