Ag's wish list keeps growing
When the new National-led government is finally formed there will be a long list waiting for it to action from the primary industries sector.
A retired Northland farmer and machinery driver says rural contractors must take some blame for the current shortage of skilled operators.
An estimated 28 million tonnes of crop worth $110 million will be at risk if overseas machinery operators are not allowed into the country, according to a survey by Rural Contractors of NZ.
The Bay of Island farmer, who preferred his name not to be used with this article, says contractors should stop moaning and reflect on what they have done to encourage and train local operators.
“These contractors want to pay minimum hourly rates and expect staff to work over a standard 13-hour day as the crop has to be harvested,” he told Rural News.
“I am available but I am not succumbing to slave labour or feeling guilty for asking for a fair and reasonable pay rate.”
Rural Contractors NZ executive director Roger Parton says if contractors charge farmers more, they end up looking for cheaper contractors.
Parton says recruiting and training young people for driving jobs in agriculture hasn’t been easy.
“Working in rural areas doesn’t appeal to young people; there is no broadband, they can’t use their phones and there’s no corner dairy for them to buy their lunch.”
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
World Veterinary Day falls on Saturday 27 April.
The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole range of groups and people around the country.
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.