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.
Federated Farmers West Coast provincial president, Katie Milne, has been elected to the farmer lobby's board.
She becomes the second woman so elected following Jeanette Maxwell in 2011. Milne replaces David Rose, who has retired after serving for three years.
"I think Federated Farmers continues to set history given 29 percent of Federated Farmers Board is now female," says president Bruce Wills
"I guess we are well ahead of the 25 percent group launched recently to lift the number of woman serving on boards. It is important to stress our board members are elected on their merits as farm leaders so I am delighted to welcome Katie on-board.
"I'd like to pay a big tribute to David Rose who I have served with for the past three years.
"David has had a large media presence as our adverse events spokesperson. His commitment was such that he fronted media despite being badly affected by the 2010 spring storm himself."
Milne is a Rotomanu dairy farmer on the West Coast. With Ian Whitmore she farms on 125 hectares milking 200 Jersey cows.
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.