End of war on farming, say farmers
Federated Farmers says changes announced to the Resource Management Act today mark the end of the war on farming.
The Innovation title at last night’s New Zealand Arable Awards went to Southland’s Auld Farm Distillery.
The distillery, an enterprise from Rob and Toni Auld, makes a range of three gins from a base alcohol of oats, wheat, and barley.
Auld Farm Distillery has achieved multiple world firsts with their products, something not entirely uncommon for an arable sector seen as world-leading in several categories on the international seed market.
Also a winner was Federated Farmers arable executive member David Birkett who was named Arable Farmer of the Year.
Birkett, who farms at Leeston, Canterbury, was noted as a recognized leader in environmental and sustainable farming, with a focus on soil quality. He is open to trialling any approach to reduce synthetic inputs, like biological products, cover crops, retaining straw, and is always willing to share his knowledge and results.
Former Federated Farmers national vice president Karen Williams with her husband Mick received the Environment & Sustainability Award.
Karen Williams (left) and husband Mick Williams (right) were presented with the Environment & Sustainability Award. |
Angela Clifford was named the 2022 Food Champion for her passionate advocacy for the arable industry. Clifford founded the organization EatNZ, which she uses to promote New Zealand-grown and produced food.
Full List of Winners
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
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.