Water supply is one of the priorities for an early kickstart once construction returns to normal with officials now drawing up a list of projects that might be shovel-ready within six months. Vital primary sector research will suffer in the medium term as scientists adjust to working from home rather than in the field. Beekeeping is regarded as essential but workers are being reminded to keep their colleagues at more than arm’s length. And some final good news. Despite covid-19 red meat exports for February were worth $921m, the same as a year earlier.
Pork industry in a pickle
About 5000 pigs a week are coming ready for processing but a lack of independent butchers means many might have to be killed on farms as farmers do not have the capacity to house them. NZ Pork is asking the Government to classify independent butchers as essential businesses to head off the looming animal welfare crisis.
Synlait given okay to buy farm and Dairyworks
The Overseas Investment Office has granted Synlait the right to buy a farm next to its Canterbury factory and Dairyworks, which produces a range of cheeses. It had to go through the approval process because it is largely foreign owned.
Government to turn tap on water infrastructure
Water infrastructure projects are among those to be lined up for a running start once the covid-19 crisis has passed, a decision welcomed by IrrigationNZ. However, green groups have warned of the dangers of riding roughshod over environmental protections in a haste to get projects off the ground.
Primary sector research grinds to halt
Crown research institutes are scrambling to work out their response to the pandemic with most reporting field research has been put on hold, and staff now focused on planning, writing up papers, and readying grant applications. However, research heads are quick to point out the vital role the institutes play and their expertise will be in high demand in the near future.
Beware – keepers must keep their distance
Apiculture New Zealand has cautioned commercial beekeepers over how to operate to keep both their workers and landowners safe. It has outlined a set of protocols to follow, including communicating with landowners only by phone.
Sarah’s Country
Visit farmersweekly.co.nz/sarahscountry to watch, listen and interact with the show Monday-Thursdays from 7pm NZ Time with the Farmers Weekly.
