Rural bias?
OPINION: After years of ever-worsening results from our education system, the startling results from a maths acceleration programme stood out like a dog’s proverbials – the trial producing gains of one full year in just 12-weeks.
BASF NZ is set to launch its 2024 Safety Champs Programme, said to provide a fun and interactive way to make farms safer for children.
This year’s theme of sun safety will promote awareness of sun protection for children growing up on farms.
Skin cancer, including melanoma, is the most common form cancer in New Zealand and accounts for an estimated 80% of all new cancers identified each year.
Increasing awareness of skin cancer is crucial for children growing up on farms, where they are often exposed to the sun for extended periods. Educating kids about sun safety not only protects their health but also instils habits that can prevent skin cancer. This ensures that our future generation of farmers work safely and healthily.
The Safety Champs packs have been designed to support parents and caregivers in facilitating conversations with kids about the importance of sun protection. The fun and educational safety pack comes in a re-usable drawstring bag and includes an explorer bucket hat, printable safety-themed activities, a farm safety pledge for families to complete together and an official BASF Safety Champs certificate.
Parvana Wali, head of agricultural solutions for BASF in Australia and New Zealand said, to build awareness of farm safety at an early age, BASF developed and supports the Safety Champs programme for farming communities.
“This year, we are focusing on sun protection. By educating children about the risks of sun exposure and the importance of sun safety, we aim to prevent the sun related hazards to ensure these kids grow up in a safer, healthier, and more enjoyable farm environment.”
BASF first launched the Safety Champs Programme in New Zealand in 2022 and subsequently expanded into Australia. To find out more about the Safety Champs programme in New Zealand or to order a Safety Champs pack for your children, visit www.cropsolutions.basf.co.nz/safetychampsnz.
Coming in at a year-end total at 3088 units, a rise of around 10% over the 2806 total for 2024, the signs are that the New Zealand farm machinery industry is turning the corner after a difficult couple of years.
New Zealand's animal health industry has a new tool addressing a long-standing sustainability issue.
The Government has announced that ACC will be a sponsor of this year's FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition.
As veterinary student numbers grow to help address New Zealand's national workforce shortge, Massey University's School of Veterinary Science is inviting more veterinary practices to partner in training the next generation of vets.
South Island dairy farmers will soon be able to supply organic milk to Fonterra.
Norwood has announced the opening of a new Tasman dealership at Richmond near Nelson next month.

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