Editorial: Support, don't stifle farmers
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
MPI’s David Wansbrough says a lot of people look for the headline ‘drought declaration’, but they should understand what this means in practical terms.
It doesn’t mean huge amounts of government dollars flowing into a region, he says.
“What we declare is the size of the recovery measures that might be needed. Our policy is that if we think the drought is localised the Government won’t go in to help.
“We expect communities to have a fair bit of resilience and do risk management at the local level. When it gets beyond the local level and clearly communities are not able to cope – particularly if
we think animal or family welfare are at risk – then there are measures we can put in place.
“People should also know that regardless of whether or not a drought is declared, help is always available. IRD is receptive at any time to talking to farmers about equalisation schemes or even some leniency on the timing of what they owe IRD.”
Wansbrough says when a drought is declared there will be a little extra assistance available, but most assistance is available all the time if required.
MPI has for ten years focused on putting in place systems and support networks to help farmers deal with adverse events. The Rural Support Trust, DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb NZ and Federated Farmers work with MPI to support farmers.
Right now in South Canterbury and North Otago these organisations are working with MPI to monitor the situation. Wansborough refers to regular meetings and a weekly conference call to help assess the situation.
Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…