RMA amendments 'will be a relief to farmers'
The Government’s announcement that a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) could be introduced in Parliament next month will be a relief to farmers, says Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ).
B+LNZ says while the 1 May application date has passed for farmers requiring a resource consent to graze their winter forage crops this year, it's not too late to put together a wintering plan.
Under the new Intensive Winter Grazing regulations, farmers whose wintering practices do not meet the permitted activity criteria need a resource consent, and applications for these were due by 1 May.
Heather McKay, Beef + Lamb New Zealand's environment poliy manager, suggests that anyone who might have missed the deadline, or is unsure of their responsibilities, can still contact their regional council.
"This is the first year of these new rules and councils have indicated they are taking an educative approach to implementation. They have staff who understand what is required and who will support farmers as they work through their regulatory requirements."
Mackay is encouraging all farmers grazing forage crops this winter to put together a wintering plan before the onset of the cold weather.
This plan will help identify any risks to either the environment or animal welfare associated with intensive winter grazing and allow strategies to be put in place to mitigate them. Winter plans also help ensure the whole farm team knows what is required of them as they manage these crops over the winter months.
She says anecdotal reports from regional councils confirm that wintering practices have improved significantly in recent years, and she is encouraging farmers to carry on the great work by putting plans in place that protect soil and water resources while ensuring livestock is well-fed and comfortable.
"B+LNZ has winter plan templates available which makes the process very simple. Farmers know their farms better than anyone; they know where critical source areas are and which paddocks are more vulnerable in wet weather.
"The planning template taps into this knowledge and ensures that practices are documented if ever proof was required to meet regulatory or market requirements."
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.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…