Two of the first news releases into my inbox on Thursday announced new funds for the Mycoplasma bovis response and for the management tool Overseer.
The news on M bovis seems to be getting more frightening by the day. The Ministry for Primary Industries has a tough task tracking a bug that is very difficult to test for and using stock records that are often incomplete. There’s been a lot of mud thrown as this response has unfolded but I think everyone can agree more money in the pot to fight the disease and keep farmers in business is welcome.
The Government is keen to improve water quality in New Zealand and that’s a great goal to have. Of course to do that you need to be able to accurately measure what nutrients leach through soils into waterways. Many have been saying for some time now that Overseer isn’t quite where it needs to be to get the job done so funding an upgrade there is also welcomed.
There’s also a lot more money for research and development and for the Sustainable Farming Fund. Add all this to the previously announced regional development fund and there’s a bit to celebrate. Of course, Budget day isn’t about businesses it’s about people. Many farmers and rural people will be looking for announcements that help their children, their health and their communities. They want to prosper but they also want to be safe and happy.
As always when a finite pool of money is dished out there will be winners and losers and we’ll pick over that in the coming days and weeks. A few dollars left in the back pocket for some lollies wouldn’t go amiss, though.
