Crazy
OPINION: Your canine crusader was truly impressed by the almost unanimous support given by politicians of all stripes in Parliament to the recent passing of legislation for the NZ/EU free trade deal.
OPINION: The Hound – like most in the rural sector would have – shuddered when the Green Party revealed it would like to hold the agriculture portfolio if it gets into government after the election.
The idea of a Green MP as agriculture minister got even scarier when the party unveiled its ‘agriculture policies’ earlier this month.
On top of the usual Green airy-fairy ideas such as NZ farmers being totally organic or regenerative, it also wants levies on N and S fertiliser, higher DIN levels, a ban on PKE imports, and promotion of ‘urban gardens’ and ‘community farms’!
It was no surprise to see well known farming advocates (not!) such as Greenpeace and Forest & Bird back the Green’s policies.
It reminds your old mate of that well-worn saying about politicians and elections: “Don’t vote for them as it only encourages them!”
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.