Early Bird I Friday August 9th 2024

Farmers to benefit from new water infrastructure investment, Southland Federated Farmers challenge sweeping cultural significance approach, and Whanganui abuzz with this weekend's Beekeepers Conference. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather! Farmers to benefit from new water infrastructure investment New Zealand's recent approval of new water service delivery models could have significant implications for the country's farming community. The government's "Local Water Done Well" plan, aimed at driving crucial water infrastructure investment, is set to impact rural areas and agricultural operations across the nation. Under the new model, council-controlled organisations (CCOs) responsible for water services will have increased borrowing capacity. This change could lead to substantial improvements in rural water infrastructure, potentially benefiting farmers who often grapple with water access and quality issues. The increased investment capacity may allow for upgrades to irrigation systems, improvements in water storage facilities, and enhancements to water quality management in agricultural areas. These improvements could boost farm productivity and help farmers meet increasingly stringent environmental standards. Another key aspect of the reforms is the economic regulation regime overseen by the Commerce Commission. This new oversight aims to ensure that water service revenues are used specifically for water infrastructure. For farmers, this could mean more transparent and efficient use of funds collected through rates or water charges, potentially leading to better-maintained rural water systems. The plan's emphasis on local control aligns with the interests of many farmers who have long advocated for decision-making that reflects local needs and conditions. This localised approach may allow for more tailored solutions to water challenges faced by different farming regions across New Zealand. However, the reforms also raise questions about potential costs. While the government aims to minimise rate increases, farmers will be watching closely to see how any changes in water service charges might affect their operations. The new model encourages collaboration between councils, which could lead to more integrated water management across catchment areas. This approach could benefit farmers by promoting more consistent water policies and practices across neighbouring districts. As the legislation for these reforms is set to be introduced in December 2024 and passed by mid-2025, farmers have time to prepare for the changes and engage with local councils on how these reforms will be implemented in their areas. Southland Federated Farmers challenge sweeping cultural significance approach Farmers in the Gore district are expressing significant concerns over a proposed district plan that would designate the entire area as a Site and Area of Significance to Māori. Southland Federated Farmers warns this move could have extensive implications for agricultural activities in the region. Jason Herrick, provincial president of Southland Federated Farmers, has highlighted the unusual nature of this approach to handling iwi interests. The organisation cautions that such a broad designation could complicate routine farming tasks and potentially set a precedent for resource management processes across New Zealand. Typically, district plans identify specific sites of cultural significance, such as marae, pā sites, and ancestral locations. However, the Gore District Council has adopted a different approach, based on the premise that Māori interact with the entire natural environment. Federated Farmers have identified 91 rules or standards in the proposed plan that would require assessment of Māori values. These encompass a wide range of activities, from everyday tasks like digging holes for deceased animals to more substantial undertakings such as earthworks for silage pits and farm track maintenance. Federated Farmers contends that this blanket approach will introduce unnecessary costs, delays, and administrative burdens without achieving meaningful gains. They advocate for a more targeted approach that identifies truly significant sites while allowing farmers the flexibility to manage their land effectively. As hearings on the Proposed Gore District Plan continue through March of next year, Federated Farmers are seeking to engage in constructive dialogue. They aim to understand the plan's objectives and propose solutions that maintain flexibility and practicality for farming operations. Agriculture Minister to strengthen trade ties with India Agriculture and Trade Minister, Todd McClay, is off to India next week, aiming to strengthen agricultural, forestry, and trade relationships between the two nations. This visit follows the recent State visit of Indian President Droupadi Murmu to New Zealand, underscoring the growing importance of the India-New Zealand relationship. The ministerial visit aligns with the New Zealand government's commitment to achieving a substantial improvement in bilateral relations with India. McClay emphasises the development of deeper and stronger engagement across all aspects of the relationship, with a particular focus on food and fibre exports, which reached $213 million last year. During his time in Delhi, McClay is scheduled to meet with his Indian counterpart, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal. This will mark their fifth in-person meeting in just nine months, highlighting the frequency and importance of these bilateral discussions. Additional meetings with ministers responsible for agriculture and primary industries are also on the agenda. The visit will extend beyond Delhi, with McClay travelling to Gujarat to engage with local and New Zealand businesses operating in the Indian market. He is also set to meet with Bhupendrabhai Patel, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, further strengthening regional ties. Whanganui abuzz with this weekend's Beekeepers Conference Whanganui is set to host a significant event for New Zealand's beekeeping community this weekend. The Beekeepers Conference 2024, organised by the Southern North Island Beekeepers Group, will run from Sunday to Tuesday at the Whanganui Racecourse. A highlight of the event is the presence of guest speaker Randy Oliver, a biologist and commercial beekeeper from the United States. Oliver is at the forefront of research into eradicating pests and diseases that threaten bee populations, with a particular focus on the varroa mite. The varroa mite poses a significant threat to New Zealand's bee population. First detected in the country in 2000, it has since spread nationwide, with only the Chatham Islands remaining free of this destructive pest. The mite feeds on bees' body tissues and facilitates the transmission of viruses, potentially leading to the death of entire colonies if left unchecked. Oliver is trialling organic acids as a natural method to combat the mite, a timely initiative as New Zealand's varroa mites are showing increasing resistance to synthetic miticides. Current estimates suggest these mites are responsible for killing up to 30% of hives. The conference will delve into these issues, providing beekeepers with the latest information on hive health and management techniques. It's an essential event for anyone involved in beekeeping, from hobbyists to large-scale producers, as the industry grapples with these ongoing challenges to bee health and honey production. Scottish shearer shatters Kiwi world record  Scottish shearer Una Cameron has broken the world record for the number of strong wool ewes shorn in nine hours, previously held by New Zealander Sacha Bond. Cameron, aged 51, accomplished this feat at Trefranck Farm in Cornwall, England. She sheared an impressive 517 sheep, surpassing Bond's record of 458 set just six months ago in Southland. The Scottish veteran began her record attempt with a strong opening run of 113 sheep in two hours. She maintained a steady pace throughout the day, with subsequent runs of 105, 101, 104, and 94 sheep in one-hour-and-45-minute intervals. Cameron's achievement is particularly noteworthy as she is the only woman to have qualified in the top 30 at the prestigious Golden Shears competition in Masterton. The record attempt was overseen by the World Sheep Shearing Records Society, with New Zealand official Ronny King from Pahiatua serving on the referee panel. The attempt was given the go-ahead after a wool weigh on Tuesday produced an average of over 3.5 kilograms per sheep, well above the required minimum. Interestingly, there was a strong New Zealand influence behind the scenes. The farm where the record was set is run by New Zealander Matt Smith, himself a record-breaking shearer.  Amy Silcock, who holds the short-term eight-hour women's ewes record, was among those assisting in the pens. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.