Early Bird I Friday October 18th 2024

Tensions grow as farmers demand Fish & Game reform, Pāmu launches new road to farm ownership, and New Zealand dairy research earns global recognition. 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! Tensions grow as farmers demand Fish & Game reform A major rural conflict is unfolding in the deep south, with Federated Farmers Southland demanding significant changes to Fish & Game's operational mandate. The rural organisation wants government action to remove the environmental advocacy role from Fish & Game, leaving them to concentrate on hunting and angling management. Federated Farmers Southland leader Jason Herrick says the relationship between landowners and recreational authorities has reached a critical turning point. Rural landowners increasingly view the organisation as moving away from its main mission of maintaining recreational hunting and angling resources. The mounting tension centres on recent decisions including challenges to Waituna Lagoon management and waterway maintenance. Herrick indicates these actions create unnecessary hurdles for rural operations while adding considerable costs to more than three thousand regional farmers. In reaction to these ongoing challenges, many rural landowners now limit recreational access to their land.  Fed Farmers acknowledges many farmers value the organisation's role in monitoring wildlife numbers, maintaining recreational areas, and managing seasonal activities. However, Herrick maintains the mandatory nature of recreational licences creates an uncomfortable situation. Rural users must contribute financially to an organisation whose actions often work against their interests, leading many to abandon their recreational activities altogether. Communities rally around weather-affected Southern farmers Rural communities have mobilised to aid weather-affected farmers across Southland, as the region emerges from two months of challenging conditions. Rural leaders say a coordinated effort involving major agricultural organisations and local authorities has offered meaningful assistance to affected landowners. Southland Rural Trust leader Simon Hopcroft says that major industry organisations including Fonterra and  Beef + Lamb New Zealand have delivered immediate assistance, including both monetary resources and on-ground teams to organise community events. Current data reveals concerning ground conditions, with moisture levels reaching 80% across much of the region, climbing to nearly total saturation in certain areas.  Recovery coordinator, and disaster management expert Glyn Saunders is encouraged by the engagement from rural professionals, with many taking extra time to check on client wellbeing during routine visits.  The Rural Trust has a dedicated help line on 0800 787 254 for those seeking additional guidance or assistance. Pāmu launches new road to farm ownership New Zealand's largest agricultural organisation is creating a landmark opportunity allowing more rural workers to own their own dairy operations. The Crown-owned Landcorp, now known as Pāmu, has announced it will make available multiple dairy units through innovative ownership arrangements. The initiative targets motivated dairy workers, offering them varied entry methods into ownership across four major dairy operations. These arrangements include herd-owning agreements and contract milking opportunities, marking a new direction in rural career advancement. Chief Executive Mark Leslie says the move addresses talent retention in agriculture, with many individuals leaving to gain ownership elsewhere, and this new model aims to maintain their expertise within the organisation. Chief Operating Officer Will Burrett describes the available units as premium agricultural assets. Two operations near Taupo, another in Canterbury, and a West Coast dairy unit will enter the market, with herd sizes ranging between 400 and 1,000 animals. Interested rural managers can learn more through No8HR, with arrangements starting June 2025.  Leading kiwifruit grower rewards investors after outstanding year New Zealand's largest kiwifruit organisation anticipates a remarkable turnaround in annual earnings, marking a major recovery for the industry. Seeka now estimates its annual earnings will reach between twenty-one and twenty-five million dollars, well above earlier market guidance. Seeka attributes these strong results to clear management direction and outstanding growing conditions, marking an extraordinary change from last year when they recorded a twenty-one million dollar loss. Chief Executive Michael Franks says the results indicate record operational earnings, allowing them to announce an early dividend, moving the annual return to January rather than the usual month of April. Market reaction already indicates growing investor confidence, with trading values increasing more than eight dollars and reaching two dollars ninety.  New Zealand dairy research earns global recognition A New Zealand dairy researcher has earned international recognition at the World Dairy Summit in Paris. Natalie Ahlborn, who combines dairy farming with advanced research, achieved second place in the International Dairy Federation's Early Career Science Award. Working at Massey University's Riddet Institute, Ahlborn examined how various milk treatments alter its nutritional value. Her research reveals that different handling methods create unique outcomes in human digestion, leading to varied nutrient release rates. Irish researcher Maria Frizzarin earned the top award for her work on environmental measures, while additional recognition went to research examining grass-fed milk (Via Farmers  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.