NZ Local Government Reform: Regional councils axed, CTBs proposed
The biggest reform of local government in more than 35 years is underway.
Recovery following flooding in Otago rely on what happens in the next few months, says Luke Kane. Photo Credit: Otago Regional Council.
A lot depends on what happens in the next few months. That's the view of Federated Farmers Otago president, Luke Kane.
He says a lot of the supplementary feed in the province has been used up but a few recent days of sunshine have offered some hope with feed utilisation improving.
"One this that's become apparent is that the arable guys have had a lot of rot in their crops. That has delayed planting for the next round, so that mean we may not see some of the effects of this for six months," he says.
Kane, a dairy farmer whose family has farmed in the region for over 100 years, says events like this are not uncommon, especially on the Taieri Plains, which is a flood scheme designed to take the pressure off the wider community.
He says the floodwaters are now starting to recede but remain on certain farms and may take time to disappear.
"Farmers in this area know they could be feeding out supplement for months because it will take time for them re-grass sodden paddocks," he says.
Kane says the problem for Otago farmers was the prolonged nature of the event which saw soil moisture levels rise and no sun to dry out the paddocks.
Bradley Wadsworth lives on the family farm – Omega Station – in the Wairarapa about 30 minutes’ drive east from Masterton.
With global milk prices falling, the question is when will key exporting countries reach a tipping point where production starts to dip.
Rural contractors want the Government to include a national standard for air plans as part of its Resource Management Act reforms.
The biggest reform of local government in more than 35 years is underway.
An industry-wide project led by Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is underway to deal with the rising number of feral pests, in particular, browsing pests such as deer and pigs.
Three New Zealand agritech companies are set to join forces to help unlock the full potential of technology.

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