Dry weather classification expands to North Island
The dry weather in some parts of the North Island has received medium-scale adverse event classification from the Government.
Farmers should have their say on what the priorities should be for environmental reporting.
New Zealanders are being invited make submissions about proposed topics under the new national environmental reporting system.
"The Environmental Reporting Act passed by Parliament in September requires fair and accurate reports on the state of our environment," says Environment Minister Nick Smith.
"It means our country's clean, green brand will now be assessed against authoritative and independent data across five domains. Today we are calling for submissions on what New Zealanders think are the priorities for reporting across these domains."
The new Environmental Reporting Act requires the Secretary for the Environment and Statistics New Zealand to publish a report every six months on one of the five environmental domains (air, freshwater, land, marine, atmosphere and climate), beginning with freshwater in 2016.
A synthesis report, with analysis of all five domains, will be published every three years. The topics for future reports will be set in regulations under the Act.
Statistics Minister Craig Foss says the Government Statistician decides on the statistics used to measure the topics.
"Statistics New Zealand is world-leading, with sound credentials — it provides New Zealand with critical economic indicators such as GDP and CPI. It brings the same reputation for statistical integrity and independence to environmental reporting," Foss says.
"I encourage New Zealanders to make a submission on future topics for environmental reporting — your views will inform discussion and aid the decision-making process."
Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.