A revamped board with a focus on marketing is the key recommendation of a fresh report called Vision and Action for New Zealand’s Wool Sector.
William Beetham of Federated Farmers recognises that to succeed any board shouldn’t be too large, should have diversity and embrace the food and fibre sector’s vision of Te Taiao, working with the natural world/our environment.
That leaves the question of funding. The last attempt to introduce a levy in 2014 was defeated when 56.8% of farmers voted against it. Perhaps this time around people might support the new sense of resolve and agree to the sector stumping up with the wherewithal to turn the industry around.
Gerard Hutching
First Nait prosecution
A Taupo farmer is the first to be prosecuted under the Nait Act for failing to register more than 1000 animals. The dairy farm manager has been fined $3600 though the maximum penalty was $10,000.
New pathway for wool
A new wool report focuses on investment in better marketing and recommends a new organisation be established with a chief executive in the hope it will arrest the 45% decline in sheep numbers since 1995.
Wheat record broken
Mid Canterbury’s Eric Watson has broken his own Guinness World Record for the highest-yielding wheat crop, which he set in 2017. He attributed his success partly to the fact he applied liquid nitrogen.
Petition backs wool
More than 7000 people have so far signed a petition calling for wool to be used in public buildings and Kiwi Build. The petition closes on July 31.
Building to occupy top land
An inland port in Hawke’s Bay will be built on elite soils, a decision that has come under fire from opponents. Regional council chairman Rex Graham agrees the site is a poor one but said the land had already been designated industrial.
