Cut with care
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
Feed issues are the big focus for dairy farmers in Northland as the region tries to recover from the double whammy of a severe drought and, latterly, major flooding.
The unknown of what winter will bring is very much on the mind of the Hawkes Bay Rural Support Trust head Mike Barham.
Two weeks ago, many farmers in Northland were in drought recovery mode, now they are repairing fences and culverts washed away by flooding.
A Hawke's Bay farm consultant is pleasantly surprised by what has happened in the region over the past few weeks, with rain falling in most places.
There is not going to be any significant feed grown in Hawkes Bay until spring, according to former special agriculture trade envoy Mike Petersen.
Southland is on the knife edge as farmers struggle to grow enough feed to get their stock through winter.
The Government is pumping an extra $3 million into the Drought Recovery Advice Fund, previously worth just $500,000.
The recent rain in Hawke's Bay has provided some breathing space for those dealing with the drought, but the real test has still to come during the winter and early spring.
The recent rain in Hawke's Bay has provided some breathing space for those dealing with the drought, but the real test has still to come during the winter and early spring.
OPINION: This winter Southland farmers should not fear drones flying over their farms, looking for cows in knee-deep mud.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
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