Dry weather classification expands to North Island
The dry weather in some parts of the North Island has received medium-scale adverse event classification from the Government.
They help prevent flooding and drought by building leaky dams, but UK farmers are concerned about their reintroduction.
Late last month, a pair of Eurasian beavers were released in Somerset in South West England by the National Trust.
The release follows the UK conservation governing body’s announcement in November last year that it would be releasing the beavers into two sites in the south of England.
Beavers became extinct in England in the 16th century after intensive hunting for their fur, meat, and scent glands.
The National Trust says their reintroduction can reduce flooding and improve biodiversity.
But not everyone is happy about their reintroduction.
Farming UK reports that the National Farmers' Union (NFU) has expressed concern about the reintroduction of the species.
It says that the NFU believes releasing the animals loose in the wild could have a 'massive impact' on farming and the countryside.
NFU senior countryside adviser Claire Robinson told The Telegraph: “Any species introduction, particularly if it has not been in this country for hundreds of years, can have a massive impact on the many benefits that the countryside and farming delivers,
“Beavers in the wild could have potentially serious implications on farmland such as land drains being blocked in lowland arable areas.”
A new University of Exeter study looks to validate some of the NFU’s concerns.
The five-year study on the impacts of beavers on the English countryside found that whilst the animals can bring ‘measurable benefits’ to people and wildlife, some farmers will be affected.
The study shows that the animals created ‘adverse impact’ on five farmland sites.
The authors state that beavers will create ‘localised problems’ for a ‘handful of farmers and property owners’.
They add that the reduction of flood risk in communities downstream may come at a cost of water being stored on farmland upstream.
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.