Editorial: Farm salaries get a boost
OPINION: The recent Federated Farmers / Rabobank 2024 Farming Salaries Report revealed strong growth in farm salaries over the past two years.
Federated Farmers is happy with the Government's 30 Year Infrastructure Plan announced yesterday.
Anders Crofoot, Federated Farmers infrastructure spokesperson, says the Government and Feds seem to be on the same page on the issue.
"Rural infrastructure will need to be a priority in looking at addressing the inefficiencies in infrastructure investment and planning."
Federated Farmers supports the intent to better understand where the critical demands are and to make better decisions from that knowledge, but remain wary of what that strategy means for rural communities.
"To date rural roading infrastructure has been suffering from a significant funding squeeze and it's unclear if this plan is going to address that. If it doesn't, then better planning won't be enough to offset the opportunity costs we're likely to face."
Rural infrastructure, such as water, roads, fibre and broadband are vital to our rural communities and the broader economy.
"It's vital to keep our rural communities connected especially rural businesses to their customers. Fibre and broadband will be the next generation's transport, so the government's continuation of the Rural Broadband Initiative is welcome news."
Chris Allen, Federated Farmers water spokesperson added "For thriving rural communities to meet the New Zealand Government's aspirations, they have patiently been awaiting new investment in water infrastructure."
"There's a real positive in recognising that investing in reliable water supply will maximise the value of water, ensuring social and economic community gain from that resource while protecting the environment."
"There are many promising elements to this Plan and the rural community is keen to see some long awaited investment come their way," Crofoot added.
James and Debbie Stewart of Dairylands in the Manawatū are no strangers to taking home the silverware.
Troubled milk processor Synlait's share price is taking a hammering as nervous investors offload their stakes.
Solar generation company, Lodestone Energy is now delivering energy from its second solar farm, Rangitaiki in the Bay of Plenty.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being urged to their say in the upcoming levy referendum to enable Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) to continue its work for the sector.
James and Debbie Stewart from Dairylands in Manawatu impressed judges and took out the 2024 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award.
Manawatu farmers Will Hinton and Kali Rangiawha have scooped the 2024 New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year.