PULPIT: New fertiliser rules are better but still unfair
6 July 2020
The Essential Freshwater policy’s new nitrogen cap has a barb in its tail for dairy farmers, particularly those in Canterbury.
OPINION ARCHIVES
FROM THE RIDGE: Sense in saving for non-rainy days
1 July 2020
A small victory for common sense came out of Auckland last week.
BLOG: Fonterra’s ten cents worth
1 July 2020
Added payment for extra effort or better product qualities is nothing exceptional, unless you are a farmer co-operative. Fonterra has proposed paying up to 10c/kg milksolids to farmers who achieve standards for on-farm sustainability, environmental improvements, animal welfare, staff relationships and being an engaged co-op member.
OFF THE CUFF: Settle in for a long wait for any action
29 June 2020
JABBA: Just Another Bloated Bullshit Acronym.
One of the best things to come out of lockdown was the chance to catch up with some old friends for a belated opening weekend of duck shooting.
ALTERNATIVE VIEW: Too many spending farmers’ cash
29 June 2020
Farmers need a single voice in Wellington.
The business sector has Business NZ as the one authoritative voice for the sector. Primary and secondary teachers have a single voice as do doctors, manual workers and public servants.
PULPIT: He Waka Eke Noa partners progress
29 June 2020
I took the job of independent chairman of the He Waka Eke Noa steering group because I believe we have the chance to lead the world in the way we face up to climate change and create a sustainable future for New Zealand food and fibre production.
MEATY MATTERS: Rules risk hindering innovation
29 June 2020
The fast pace of regulatory change by the Government poses a challenge for farmers trying to earn their social licence to operate.
ALTERNATIVE VIEW: Reforms add more bureaucrats
25 June 2020
I get nervous when governments do reports on major topics. From a provincial perspective the news tends to be bad.
OFF THE CUFF: Drought bites beyond Hawke’s Bay
24 June 2020
In the past few months month there has been huge awareness of and support directed to farmers suffering from an epic drought in Hawke’s Bay.
FROM THE RIDGE: Statues shouldn’t be set in stone
24 June 2020
In these troubled and uncertain times it’s great to live in a country where the single biggest issue of the week has been about statues.
