More clarity needed over RMA reforms and timings
Spring is in full swing by now, everyone is well through calving and the weather has been good.
Fed Talk
Water vital for farming, the wider community
Water vital for farming, the wider community
I’m proud to be one of thousands of farmers in NZ contributing to the food and fibre sector that continues to underpin New Zealand’s economy.
Few options for farmers as costs rise
Few options for farmers as costs rise
There would hardly be a business in New Zealand not feeling the economic pinch; some have gone under.
Regional and district plans a focus for Feds
Regional and district plans a focus for Feds
Winter has been cold but kind, and at least the use of the little amount of feed we have for our stock to get us through the winter has been excellent.
Step change needed to ensure future for wool
Step change needed to ensure future for wool
What do Nobby Clark, California and the wool industry have in common?
Confusion around winter grazing rules continues
Confusion around winter grazing rules continues
There are many topics I could talk about this month but the main one keeping me busy right now is once again winter grazing.
Busy with long-term plan
Busy with long-term plan
As I write this on June 13, North Otago is still in the middle of a drought.
View sought on pest management
View sought on pest management
That infamous first Saturday in May has since past, which is always a great reunion of family and friends.
Health, wellbeing focus
Health, wellbeing focus
It’s an honour to be elected Federated Farmers Southland president.
Winners and losers in rates changes
Winners and losers in rates changes
There is an endless stream of consultations under way at the moment, and I feel like a broken record continually encouraging farmers to “have your say”.
Learning to stick your head up for what’s right
Learning to stick your head up for what’s right
Years ago at polytechnic, I learnt an important lesson about making sure you had support before you put your head above the rest of the crowd and speak out.
Positive but realistic
Positive but realistic
Happy new year.
A positive finish to a tough year
A positive finish to a tough year
Hard to believe another year is about to wrap up, and plenty won’t be sad to see the end of 2023.
Future of agriculture in good hands
Future of agriculture in good hands
There is so much going on the ag sector at the moment and a lot of it can feel quite overwhelming.
Change of rules will not be swift
Change of rules will not be swift
Regardless of your opinions about the election result, most are assuming there’ll be changes to regulations that have been piled on the farming sector.
Up to us to help ORC on water plan
Up to us to help ORC on water plan
Many in the agricultural sector in Otago will already be across the proposed changes to the Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) land and water plan that were released in mid-September.
Winter grazing changes embraced
Winter grazing changes embraced
As winter is coming to an end, I thought I would write about how we farmers have adapted to the new winter grazing rules and consents so well.
Little piggies, big problem
Little piggies, big problem
Most of us will remember the nursery rhyme ‘‘This Little Piggy’’ which always ended in a laugh.
Winter grazing rules not fit for purpose
Winter grazing rules not fit for purpose
When a giant tree falls so deep in the forest that nobody hears it crash, did it still fall?
A little investment can go a long way
A little investment can go a long way
Almost two months into my provincial presidency role here in North Otago I’m starting to see some common battles we have across a range of organisations we deal with.