The progress has even occurred in a heavy rain period and showed farmers have heeded the message about back fencing and buffer zones.
In Taranaki there has been more good news – the region has seen a record low for the number of environmental non-compliances over the past year. The figures need to be viewed with caution, though, because there has been less official monitoring over the covid-19 period.
Common to both regions is the level of public awareness and interest over what occurs on farms. In the case of Taranaki while the number of non-compliant incidents is at a record low the number of complaints is at a record high. Fortunately, most consent holders are following the rules.
Gerard Hutching
Agritech investment boost
The Government is keen to pick winners in the agritech sector with a plan to fund a cluster of innovative companies that can take on the world.
Dairy prices hold steady
Global dairy prices eased slightly at the latest Global Dairy Trade auction but whole milk powder was up 0.6%. Volumes of WMP were down, indicating buyers might have sufficient supplies.
Students test soil health
Old undies have been pressed into service for an Otago research programme testing the abundance of earthworms and dung beetles to gauge soil health.
Agritech company sold
Primary sector software company Rezare has been sold to a British firm but the Hamilton business will continue to trade under its own brand.
Mitigate the effects of winter grazing
Southland farmers appear to have got the message about the need to lift their game with winter grazing compliance.
Tonight on Sarah’s Country
7.10pm – Landowners want to plant natives around waterways and wetlands but they can't do it by themselves. Marlborough farmer John Hickman is inviting urban residents to help restore Lake Elterwater, which is gaining momentum through a web-based recruiting tool.
7.20pm – As we head into calving we have some great tips to avoid mastitis from Farm Medix's mastitis lady Natasha Maguire who will take your questions and give her advice on how to have healthy cows and calves.
7.30pm – GE Free New Zealand is calling for a national debate on gene editing. Jon Carapiet for GE Free NZ says regulation of gene editing is needed to protect our export reputation for safe, high-quality food but what if the technology can reduce our emissions or provide human health advantages?
7.40pm – Volatility in commodity prices, a lack of clarity on environmental regulation, tightening bank credit and rising farm expenses have all amounted to a 29% drop in dairy farm sales. What confidence can Rabobank senior analyst Michael Harvey provide to dairy farmers?
