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THE LADY WILL HAVE THE KNOCKWURST AND I'LL HAVE THE SAME: Alas, tonight somewhere in this great country of ours, a young lady (presumedly) is sitting in a Pizza Hut with that cute boy from her algebra class and trying to dazzle him with a conversation revolving around such pop culture minutiae as how many episodes of "One Day at a Time" aired, Cybil Sheppard's irritable bowels, and, yes, how much Santa's sack looks like an airborne scrotum.
All of us here at ALOTTFMA hope the date went well.
Posted by AlexG at 6:58 PM 0 comments
LIKE A B'SULEH: The Forward 50, the Jewish weekly's annual list of the who's who among American Members of the Tribe, is touched for the very first time by a goy this year. Yes, that Meshugeneh Girl Esther, otherwise known as Madonna, shows up on the paper's list (login: ALOTTFMA, pass: Madonna) alongside notables Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Philip Roth, Jon Stewart, Larry David, Natalie Portman, Shawn Green, and a bunch of other rabbis, bankers and lawyers. Actually Esther was something of a borderline pick, as the paper expanded its list to 51 in order to justify its love for the way she expresses herself with Kabbalah, making Judiasm a vogue religion in the process.
PUMP UP THE VOLUME: Eric B. & Rakim's 1987 album "Paid in Full" heads a new list from Entertainment Weekly of the Top 25 Hip-Hop Albums of All-Time. The mag's list, which features names both old and new school, is timed to coincide with the Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight" hitting the charts 25 years ago. And if you are hungry for some old school beats or just hungry, check this out.
SPEAKING OF SYNDICATION: The San Francisco Chronicle has this interesting article today making the very valid point that just because a show reaches 100 episodes (or even 200 episodes) doesn't actually mean it's any good. Among the examples they cite:
"CHiPS"--139 episodes of pure Erik Estrada goodness.
"Hangin' With Mr. Cooper"--101 episodes.
"Walker, Texas Ranger"--203 episodes from which the Walker Lever can select high-quality clips.
"Empty Nest"--170 episodes.
"Charles in Charge"--126 episodes of Scott Baio.
"Jake and the Fatman"--106 episodes.
Not mentioned, but worthy of snark--there are 195 episodes of "Matlock" out there. Grandpa Simpson must be very happy.
SMALL WONDER: Following in the footsteps of Fresh Prince reruns and The Dr. Phil Show, this blog is now being syndicated at http://throwingthings.blogspot.com/atom.xml.
Mind you, I have no idea what this means, just that someone asked me to enable it, so I did.
CATCHING MATT NAPPING: In a story one of my co-Bloggers should have been all over, Justin Guarini has been dropped from the cast of the upcoming Beach Boys Broadway musical Good Vibrations.
Posted by AlexG at 12:45 PM 0 comments
YOUR HONOR, DOES THIS LOOK LIKE A MAN WHO HAD ALL HE COULD EAT? Congratulations to Barry "Tink" Giddings of Gassetts, Vt., a "gourmand" who just ate nineteen lobsters in thirty-five minutes, earning the title of 'Lobster Maniac of the Year'.
As a reminder, Wing Bowl XIII is less than three months away. . .
Posted by Kingsley at 9:42 PM 0 comments
THANK YOU, COPY DESK: I'm so glad this headline made it through in a Philadelphia Daily News article today about actress Cybill Shepherd's pimping for an anti-irritable bowel syndrome drug -- "Cybill lets loose about IBS".
NEXT, GROVER WILL BE TAKING OVER THE ROLE OF TREKKIE MONSTER IN "AVENUE Q:" Ridiculously poor casting decisions are not confined to television and movies. Yes, Harvey Fierstein will be playing Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof." Yes, this means we'll be going from the guy who played Dr. Octopus in "Spider-Man 2" to a guy whose recent (non-drag) credits include "Duplex," "Death to Smoochy," and "Kull the Conqueror."
HEALING AMERICA'S GREAT DIVIDE: What unites the Dixie Chicks and Jimmy Buffett, who both made appearances for John Kerry, with Brooks and Dunn, who played the RNC? They've both joined this brief (along with Sheryl Crow, the Eagles, and Stevie Nicks) asking for Supreme Court review on the copyright issues raised by file sharing. Perhaps, however, they should look for new counsel, given that the Dixie Chicks' Martie Maguire is called "Martie Maquire," and Jimmy Buffett's name is spelled incorrectly.
DARK DAY FOR DESMOND: The Beatles' "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" has been picked as the worst...song...ever. In a survey of 1,000 folks from across the pond, the "Life Goes On" theme song beat out a number of novelty hits not heard on these shores, as well as Meatloaf's histrionic comeback single "I Would Do Anything..." and "Ice, Ice Baby."
IN YOUR FACE, EARTH SIMULATOR! USA! USA! IBM's Blue Gene/L tops the list of world's fastest supercomputers, bringing the coveted title back to our shores for the first time in three years. IBM's bad boy can make 70.72 trillion calculations per second, almost twice as many as NEC's girly man Earth Simulator. Meanwhile, my four-year old Dell desktop sadly did not make the list, probably slowed by all the Lindsey Lohan nipple slips shots clogging my Web cache.
JUST A HUNCH, MIND YOU: When Robert Zemeckis and Tom Hanks were getting set to read the first-day reviews of The Polar Express, I have a feeling they weren't expecting to see the phrase 'airborne scrotum' anywhere.
Manohla Dargis' NYT review touches on some interesting issues on the limits of computer animation and the artistic divide between imaginative animation v. that which seeks heightened realism, and is worth a minute of your time.
THIS DATE IN NBA HISTORY: Twenty years ago today, Dr. J and Larry Bird had a little to-do.
CELEBRATE DEMOCRACY with a brand new ALLOTTFMA-approved Bi-Partisan Party Game (or ALLOTTFMAABPPG for short), inspired by the news today of the Attorney General's resignation. To play, complete the following lead-in for an article from a 2007 edition of your favorite Infortainment Periodical (revealing if it's E!, The Economist, CNN, TNN or whatever):
"According to the 5-4 decision handed down by the Supreme Court today, _______ will _________ or _______. Mr. Justice Ashcroft, writing for the majority, noted that '_________________________'."
Democracy works. Let the healing, and the expenditure of political capital begin.
WE DON'T NEED ANY CHARACTERS AROUND TO GIVE THE JOINT MORE ATMOSPHERE: Bravo takes a page out of the VH1 playbook with an upcoming five-night countdown of the Top 100 TV Characters of All Time. I can't find the list online anywhere (the link, to a USA Today article reveals some of the picks), but no doubt closer to the Nov. 22 air date it will pop up. The top 10 is under wraps, but here, off the top of my head, is my biased suggestion:
1. George Costanza
2. Homer Simpson
3. Ted Baxter
4. Marcia Brady
5. Archie Bunker
6. Barney Fife
7. The Fonz
8. Larry Sanders
9. Fox Mulder
10. B.A. Baracus (I used to edit A-Team episodes into best of Mr. T highlight tapes in the pre-driver's license/girlfriend days).
Of course, you, gentle reader, can come up with a better list, and for that we have the comments section.
DENNYCRANE: I have not had a ton of time this fall to check out the new tv shows -- no Lost, only occasional Desperate Housewifery, but I have been around a tv most Sunday nights to watch Boston Legal.
It is by no means great television -- it is neither gripping as drama nor as funny as other David E. Kelley works. But it burrows nicely into the ethical dilemmas of contemporary legal practice, and James Spader and William Shatner eat so much scenery you'd think they were at the Bellagio Buffet.
Also, the show marks the return to network series tv of Rene Auberjonois, so good as a pissy little douchebag in Benson twenty years ago, and in the same role today as the firm's managing partner.
It's all good. While never being compelling, it sure manages to hold your attention for an hour. Worth watching when the football game's bad.
HEY, IT'S THAT BALD, NOT PARTICULARLY LIKABLE GUY! Reviewing this week's TV, I have a H!ITG! submission. With appearances on "Jack and Bobby," in a recurring role as Pres. McAllister's James Carville, "Joan of Arcadia," as a manipulative litigator representing the Girardi family, and "Without a Trace," as a skeevy photogapher, this week, Evan Handler has been that guy. You've assuredly seen him in something, be it his work as millionaire Shrug on the underrated 90s comedy "It's Like, You Know", or his work as Charlotte's unlikely divorce lawyer/Prince Charming on "Sex & The City." He's also shown up on "The West Wing" (as a political consultant working with Ron Silver) and on the late, lamented, "Ed" as Stuckeyville institution "Dr. Crazy," or maybe in the 2000 "Three Stooges" telemovie as Larry.
Handler almost always plays a variant on the same character--a brash and not particularly likable (at least at first) fellow who's smarter than you and he knows it. However, usually, although not always, Handler's character turns out to have a heart of gold and is willing to use that brain to help, and there are few actors that do comic intellectual exasperation as well as him. Unlike a true "H!ITG!," Handler hasn't shown up in a ton of movies, but his ubiquity on television makes him worthy of the title.
So for this week, Evan Handler, you are that guy.
THE LADY WILL HAVE THE KNOCKWURST AND I'LL HAVE TH...
LIKE A B'SULEH: The Forward 50, the Jewish weekly'...
PUMP UP THE VOLUME: Eric B. & Rakim's 1987 album "...
SPEAKING OF SYNDICATION: The San Francisco Chroni...
SMALL WONDER: Following in the footsteps of Fresh ...
CATCHING MATT NAPPING: In a story one of my co-Blo...
YOUR HONOR, DOES THIS LOOK LIKE A MAN WHO HAD ALL ...
THANK YOU, COPY DESK: I'm so glad this headline m...
NEXT, GROVER WILL BE TAKING OVER THE ROLE OF TREKK...
HEALING AMERICA'S GREAT DIVIDE: What unites the D...
DARK DAY FOR DESMOND: The Beatles' "Ob-La-Di, Ob-L...
IN YOUR FACE, EARTH SIMULATOR! USA! USA! IBM's Blu...
JUST A HUNCH, MIND YOU: When Robert Zemeckis and ...
THIS DATE IN NBA HISTORY: Twenty years ago today,...
CELEBRATE DEMOCRACY with a brand new ALLOTTFMA-app...
WE DON'T NEED ANY CHARACTERS AROUND TO GIVE THE JO...
DENNYCRANE: I have not had a ton of time this fal...
HEY, IT'S THAT BALD, NOT PARTICULARLY LIKABLE GUY!...


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More business courses for rural women planned:
Business development programmes for women involved in sheep and beef farming are expanding to new locations next year.
The Agri-Women's Development Trust runs the programmes with funding from the Red Meat Profit Partnership with the aim of lifting the sector's performance and profitability.
Oamaru and Fairlie will be the first of 32 rural centres to host the programmes in early February.
They comprise "Understanding Your Farm Business", which has had 780 graduates since it began in 2014, and "Wahine Maia Wahine Whenua" for women who are trustees, managers or partners in Maori sheep and beef farming businesses. . .
Cool winter boosts currants – Alexia Johnston:
A cold, wet winter is paying off for at least one South Canterbury berry grower.
ViBERi owner manager Tony Howey said the chill of last winter had provided a welcome boost to his crops of blackcurrants and redcurrants.
Moisture in the cooler months had also helped, he said.
"It was really good for the berries … and for some cereal crops as well."
Cool temperatures in October, with some mornings near-freezing, were almost too cold, but the crops survived well. . .
Demand for mini apples drives orchard investment:
Feilding rural investment company, MyFarm is chasing $13 million for the lease and development of four apple orchards in Hawke's Bay.
The investment group will grow the niche export apple brand Rockit, which is a mini-apple under licence by Rockit Global.
One of the Rockit Global's challenges has been growing enough apples to meet global demand despite production lifting 40 per cent on last year. . .
Lower Fonterra milk price seems likely – Hugh Stringleman:
Fonterra might reduce its farmgate milk price forecast by 25c to 50c/kg as early as this week after the fourth consecutive fall in world dairy prices on the fortnightly Global Dairy Trade auction platform.
Global prices fell 10% over the past two months since Fonterra reaffirmed its $6.75/kg forecast at the time of its annual results presentation.
After the latest 3.4% GDT index fall market analysts have found some unanimity with forecasts of $6.25-$6.50, along with predictions Fonterra would have to downgrade sooner rather than later. . .
Van der Poel elected new DairyNZ chair:
Waikato dairy farmer Jim van der Poel has been elected the new chairman of industry good body, DairyNZ. He replaces Michael Spaans, who passed away earlier this week.
Jim says Michael was a skilled, dedicated and passionate chair for DairyNZ and he plans to continue the vision established for DairyNZ and dairy farmers.
"While I step into this position under sad circumstances, as a board we will continue Michael's good work – his influence will continue as we develop plans for the future of our industry." . .
We LOVE this from the Woodwards dairy office!! "Serious Piss-Off Factors" – Keeping the team above the line at all time. What would you add to this list? #agchatnz @foragoodwoody @kiwiwoody pic.twitter.com/zNiXuwta7Y
— Millennium Farming (@TheY2KFarmer) November 15, 2017
Leave a Comment »	| business, environment, Farming, food, horticulture, rural	| Tagged: Agri-Women's Development Trust (AWDT), Alexia Johnston, DairyNZ, Fonterra, GlobalDairyTrade (GDT), Hugh Stringleman, Jim van der Poel, Michael Spaans, MyFarm, Rockit, Rockit Global, Tony Howey, ViBERi	| Permalink
A Kauri in the Forest – Michael Spaans:
Federated Farmers is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of DairyNZ chairman Michael Spaans.
Federated Farmers extends its condolences to the Spaan family at this difficult time.
Mr Spaans was renowned for his commitment and dedication to the dairy sector and held several key positions as a director at Fonterra and board member at DairyNZ between 2008 – 2015. . .
Taranaki young farmers take on NZ Dairy Industry Awards challenge:
Several NZ Young Farmers members look set to go head-to-head in Taranaki's longest-running dairy awards programme.
James Holgate, 25, and Buddy Sharpe, 20, have entered the prestigious New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.
They'll both be vying to take out the title of 2018 Taranaki Dairy Manager of the Year.
James Holgate is in his second season as a herd manager on Tony and Lorraine Lash's 350-cow dairy farm at Midhirst. . .
What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail? The Awards are so much more than prizes – they are about… https://t.co/rZDY7rtA5B
— NZ Dairy Awards (@NZDairyAwards) November 20, 2017
Affected farmer criticises handling of cattle disease – Sally Brooker:
A dairy farmer whose herd is infected with Mycoplasma bovis feels let down by the Ministry for Primary Industries.
Leo Bensegues revealed his situation at a packed public meeting in the Morven Community Hall last night.
About 200 people crammed into the venue for the sixth meeting hosted by the ministry since the bacterial cattle disease was discovered on farms near Waimate in July.
Mr Bensegues asked ministry officials if they would change their biosecurity protocols if he could show they were not working.
Technical liaison officer Victoria Barrell assured him they would. . .
#Predator #Free #Farm #Award https://t.co/hx6lcjLqB6 pic.twitter.com/Y7VAjUT8uk
— Get Farming NZ (@getfarmingNZ) November 20, 2017
New Zealander nominated for top global wine role:
New Zealand Winegrowers welcomes the New Zealand government's nomination of Dr John Barker as a candidate for the role of Director General of the International Organisation of Vine & Wine (OIV).
The OIV is the inter-governmental scientific and technical reference body for wine. Based in Paris, with 46 members accounting for more than 85% of global wine production and nearly 80% of world consumption, it is sometimes called the 'UN of wine'.
"Dr Barker is an ideal candidate. He has deep understanding and expertise in the global vine and wine sector built on 20 years of experience," said CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers, Philip Gregan. . .
A2 Milk revenue, profit pushes higher in first four months of FY18 – Rebecca Howard:
(BusinessDesk) – A2 Milk, which markets milk with a protein variant said to have health benefits, says both revenue and net profit jumped in the first four months of the current financial year as it continues to benefit from strong demand for its infant formula.
Revenue climbed 69 percent to $262.2 million in the four months ended Oct. 30 from the same four months a year earlier, while net profit more than doubled to $52.3 million, the company told shareholders at today's annual meeting in Auckland. Group earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization were $78.4 million, up 120.8 percent on the same four months a year earlier. . .
Synlait Auckland officially opened, doubles infant formula packaging capacity:
Synlait Milk has opened its new Auckland site, which is home to its second state-of-the-art blending and consumer packaging facility.
Located in Mangere, the site was officially opened today by Auckland Mayor Phil Goff at a ceremony alongside all staff.
"We're expecting customer demand for consumer packaged products to increase significantly in the near term," said John Penno, Synlait's Managing Director and CEO. . .
New Zealand ag-tech increases farm revenue and consumer appeal:
One of the greatest costs to farmers tending an estimated one billion sheep globally is in lost productivity from parasites and ineffective drench programs. The result of a three year R&D project, funded by Sainsbury's – the UK's second largest supermarket chain – has demonstrated use of technology developed in New Zealand can save farmers in their supply chain alone around $19 million annually.
Dunedin based ag-tech company Techion Group's combination of an internet connected device, data management system and connectivity to veterinary expertise delivers an effective means to manage parasites and drenching programs which affect the health and growth of animals. . .
'First Wolrd' disputes can cause 'third world' dliemnas – Jennie Schmidt:
The majority of Americans know very little about genetically modified food. They'll even tell you so: In a poll by the Annenberg Public Policy Center last year, 63 percent rated their understanding of GMOs as "poor" or "fair." Only 4 percent called it "excellent."
That's why Congress is investing $3 million in the Food and Drug Administration specifically to be used for an education campaign. Before the FDA spends the money, however, it's asking the public for input: This month, it has held forums in Charlotte, N.C., and San Francisco. Online comments are open until November 17.
The skinflint in me worries about this expense: Does a government with a national debt of $20 trillion really need to use its limited resources this way?
The realist in me observes that the spending decision already has been made, so we might as well quit wondering about "whether" and start thinking about "how." . .
Effective people understand themselves,are aware of the demands of their environment & they choose how they respond.Understanding their values,empowers them to make choices that enable them to satisfy their values consistently over time.
How clear are you on what your values are? pic.twitter.com/dtNWCGaCGN
— Coach Approach Rural (@coachapproachr1) November 20, 2017
Leave a Comment »	| business, environment, Farming, food, rural, trade	| Tagged: A2 milk, Annenberg Public Policy Center, Buddy Sharpe, DairyNZ, Dr John Barker, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, International Organisation of Vine & Wine (OIV), James Holgate, Jennie Schmidt, John Penno, Leo Bensegues, Lorraine Lash, Michael Spaans, Mycoplasma bovis, NZ Dairy Industry Awards, NZ Winegrowers (NZW), NZ Young Farmers, Philip Gregan, Rebecca Howard, Sally Brooker, Synlait Milk, Techion Group, Tony Lash	| Permalink
Tributes to Michael Spaans
Michael Spaans, a former director of Fonterra and chair of DairyNZ has died.
Fonterra chair John Wilson paid tribute to him:
Sadly, today our Co-operative has lost one of our strongest people with former Director Michael Spaans passing away last night. He is survived by his wife Kristina and children Olivia, Logan and Harvey.
Earlier this year, Michael decided to step down from the Fonterra Board and focus on trying to recover from cancer. He and I go back many years and I saw him approach his illness in the same way he approached everything in life. He was resolute and determined and did his utmost to continue on as normal. It was a brave fight and I am sure that will not surprise those of you who knew him.
Michael was a proud dairy farmer with a passion for our Co-op and our industry. I have often talked about the importance of having leaders developing within our ranks and Michael is a very fine example. Michael served on the New Zealand Dairy Group Shareholder Council, before joining the Fonterra Shareholders' Council at the time our Co-op was formed. He was also part of the first intake for the Fonterra Governance Development Programme, and later built his governance experience outside the industry including directorships with ASB Bank, Shoof International, DairyNZ, Manuka SA, Waikato Innovation Park, Innovation Waikato and Ospri New Zealand.
He then brought this experience, along with a huge level of energy and commitment to our Board, and won the respect of his fellow Directors and farmers for his willingness to listen and engage. Michael was a man who knew the importance of detail. He made sure that he knew this business extremely well, understood our strategy and was completely across the detail of the numbers. He always looked for constructive solutions and thought deeply about our Co-op's governance and his role in the evolution of our business.
His insights and experience — along with his genuine interest and inquisitive mind — were also invaluable on Fonterra's Milk Price Panel, the Co-operative Relations Committee, and the Audit and Finance Committee.
As late as last month, Michael was working for the betterment of New Zealand farmers in his capacity as Chairman of DairyNZ. He has also remained an ambassador for Fonterra on the international stage and in Wellington, recently speaking at the United Nations in New York on behalf of the Global Dairy Platform and all farmers.
We have lost a close friend, leader and an advocate of our industry much too soon. Our thoughts and deep gratitude for all that he contributed go to his family.
DairyNZ also paid tribute to him:
It is with great sadness that DairyNZ acknowledges the passing of (Reindert) Michael Spaans (54), husband, father, farmer, director, and recent chair of DairyNZ.
Michael Spaans
Michael has been a valuable member of the DairyNZ board since 2008 and was elected chair in November 2015. He was also a director of Fonterra from 2013 until January 2017 when illness forced an early retirement. However, he continued on as a director of ASB and Shoof International, and with his farming interests in Canterbury, Chile, and the United States, as well as his home farm.
DairyNZ acting chair, Barry Harris, says: "Michael will be greatly missed by the board, our staff, our farmers and the wider Waikato community. His passion and knowledge of the sector, and dedication to improving outcomes for dairy farming profitability and sustainability are well known. We are going to miss his thoughtful debating and farmer-first approach to investment, his involvement with the dairy leaders group, his focus as chair of the Waikato Dairy Leaders Group and the group's desire to improve the state of the Waikato River, and support for the Healthy Rivers plan in particular."
Growing up on a family farm at Tauhei, near Morrinsville, Michael attended Mangateparu School, Morrinsville Intermediate and Morrinsville College. He later took over his parents' farm at Manawaru, residing there with his wife Kristina and their three children, now aged 16, 20 and 22, until his passing.
A keen basketballer as a young man, Michael started farming life in Te Aroha as a young sharemilker, getting into governance around the time of the creation of Fonterra. He started with the old New Zealand Dairy Group shareholders' council and continued to serve as Te Aroha Ward rep when the council and company became part of Fonterra. From there he has held many governance positions, dedicating his life to improving farming in New Zealand.
"Michael always had presence and not just because he was 6ft 9in tall, but because he was thoughtful, considered, and passionate about farming," says DairyNZ's chief Executive Dr Tim Mackle.
"Besides his love and dedication to his family, he was also dedicated to DairyNZ, even ill, he made such an effort to add value to our organisation. He felt and was often quoted as saying how vital an organisation like DairyNZ was to act in the best interests of farmers, and the DairyNZ family are going to miss him.
"Our deepest sympathies lie with his family, especially his wife Kristina, who has also dedicated her past nine years to us too."
A replacement chair of DairyNZ will be announced shortly, along with a replacement solution for a new farmer director.
Fifty four is far too young for a good man whose death will leave a large hole in his family and circle of friends.
Farming will also miss his contributions as a farmer, director and community stalwart.
Leave a Comment »	| business, Farming, life and death, rural	| Tagged: Barry Harris, DairyNZ, Dr Tim Mackle, Fonterra, John Wilson, Kristina Spaans, Michael Spaans	| Permalink
Hard work earned admiration of all:
WHEN it came to work ethic, it would be hard to look past legendary North Otago market gardener Reggie Joe.
For more than 45 years, Joe's Vegie Stall on State Highway 1 at Alma has been a landmark. From humble beginnings as a small roadside stall with an honesty tin, the business expanded to a busy operation, attracting a loyal following of customers.
His wife Suzie acknowledged it was his garden and customers that Mr Joe put first, followed by his family for whom he did it all.
His ambition in life was simple; to create a better future for his four children. Having known hardship firsthand, he was determined they would receive a good education.
Mr Joe died peacefully, surrounded by his family, in Dunedin Hospital on June 8, aged 82. . .
Primary industries feel under siege as prospect of Labour-led govt firms:
INSIGHTS ABOUT THE NEWS – The divide between regional and urban politics is being thrown into ever sharpening contrast as the election campaign unfolds. Agricultural industries and rural communities feel under siege in the looming election.
As reported in Trans Tasman's sister publication The Main Report Farming Alert, weeks ago the chances of a Labour-led government seemed unlikely, but now the chance of this happening seems possible with policies which could prove ruinous for NZ's main export industries.
Labour will tax users of water, including farmers (but not those companies using municipal supplies). Both the Greens and Labour are committed to bringing agriculture into the emissions trading scheme and say the carbon price should be higher. They have not stated how high they want animal emissions to be taxed. . .
Farming leaders pledge to make all rivers swimmable – Gerard Hutching:
Farming leaders representing 80 per cent of the industry have pledged to make all New Zealand rivers swimmable, although they don't say how or by when.
Confessing that not all rivers were in the condition they wanted them to be, and that farming had not always got it right, the group said the vow was "simply the right thing to do".
Launching the pledge by the banks of the Ngaruroro River in Hawke's Bay, spokeswoman for the group and Federated Farmers president Katie Milne said the intent behind the commitment was clear. . .
Swimmable means swimmable:
Agricultural leaders have, for the first time ever in New Zealand, come together to send a strong message to the public.
We are committed to New Zealand's rivers being swimmable for our children and grandchildren.
DairyNZ chair, Michael Spaans, says "this is a clear message from New Zealand's farming leaders that we want our rivers to be in a better state than they are now, and agriculture needs to help get them there.
"I have joined my fellow leaders to stand up and say that I want my grandchildren, and one day my great grandchildren, to be able to swim in the same rivers that I did growing up. . .
Farmers' river pledge welcomed:
A new pledge by farming leaders to improve the swimmability of New Zealand's rivers has been welcomed by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith.
"This pledge from farming leaders shows the real commitment farmers have to tackling these long term issues," says Mr Guy.
"Farmers are closer to the land to the land than nearly anyone else, and they care deeply about leaving a good legacy for their children. . .
Hundreds expected for launch – Sally Rae:
When a book on the history of the Wilden settlement is launched this month, it will also serve as a reunion.
Wilden — The Story of a West Otago Farming Community — has been written by Dunedin man Dr David Keen.
The driving forces behind the project were retired Wilden farmer Bill Gibson, now living in Mosgiel, and Neil Robinson, from Wanaka.
In the late 1860s, the discovery of gold at Switzers, now Waikaia, further sparked West Otago's development. . .
Keen advocate of the tri-use sheep – Sally Rae:
Growing up on a sheep and beef farm in Invercargill, Lucy Griffiths and her siblings were not allowed to leave home without a woollen garment.
The many benefits of wool were drummed into them from an early age, not only as a fibre to wear but also as one to walk on and use in innovative ways.
But somewhere since then, strong wool had "lost its gloss", and Mrs Griffiths wants to play her part in re-educating consumers about those benefits.
She is one of three new appointments to the board of Wools of New Zealand, a position she felt was a "big mantle of responsibility". . .
Dispath from NZ no. 3 conflict, collaboration and consensus – Jonathan Baker:
New Zealanders are generally though of as pretty relaxed; but having spent ten days here it's clear that the current debate around farming is anything but. From the Beehive (NZ's parliament) to the kitchen tables of farmers, there is a very strong sense of tension. Most I talked to present farmers on one side and 'townie' environmental groups on another.
The main cause of the tension is the state of New Zealand's water quality. This issue has jumped up the public agenda over the last 10 years and is now a pretty substantial issue in the upcoming election. Environmental groups, notably Greenpeace have done much to start this debate and the impact of their 'dirty dairy' campaign can even be felt in the UK. . .
Thanks #science!https://t.co/3tj6hzekfF @AgWebEditor pic.twitter.com/eFgEYBBcIe
— C. S. Prakash (@AgBioWorld) August 21, 2017
My great-grandfather fed 19 people, my grandfather fed 26 people, my father feeds 155 people I will feed 155 and counting . . . embracing technology a family tradition.
Leave a Comment »	| business, environment, Farming, food, horticulture, politics, rural	| Tagged: AgBioWolrd, Bill Gibson, C.S. Prakash, DairyNZ, Dr David Keen, Federated Farmers, Gerard Hutching, Green Party, Joe's Vegie Stall, Jonathan Baker, Labour Party, Lucy Griffiths, Michael Spaans, Nathan Guy, Neil Robinson, Ngaruroro River, Nick Smith, Reggie Joe, Sally Rae, Switzers, Trans-Tasman, Waikaia, water tax, Wilden — The Story of a West Otago Farming Community, Wools of New Zealand (WNZ)	| Permalink
Farmers' pledge will work where water tax won't
Farming leaders have pledged to make rivers swimmable:
In a first for the country, farming leaders have pledged to work together to help make New Zealand's rivers swimmable for future generations.
The Farming Leaders' Pledge has been signed today by a group of New Zealand pastoral farming leaders, that represent over 80% per cent of that country's farmed land, committing them to an ambitious goal of working to make New Zealand's rivers swimmable for their children and grandchildren.
Group spokesperson, Federated Farmers President and West Coast dairy farmer Katie Milne says the intent behind the pledge is clear.
"Many of our rivers are not in the condition we all want them to be. We are doing this because we want our kids and their kids to be able to swim in the same rivers that we did as children. And by swim we mean swim. It's as simple as that.
"We're standing up and saying we haven't always got this right. More work is required and we will play our part. While there has been progress on farm in the past 10 years, we know there is more to be done, and that it must be done fast, and together.
Clean rivers aren't an abstract concept for farmers.
This is the water we drink and wash with every day, not something we might visit a very few times a year.
"Today isn't about laying out the detail on the huge amount of work going on already on farms up and down the country and how these efforts will need to increase.
"It's about us as farming leaders signalling our commitment to making New Zealand's rivers swimmable and doing everything we can to achieve that."
Ms Milne, says the group understands much of the work needed will be challenging for the farming sector.
Challenging yes, but a lot will build on work already being undertaken.
"We haven't put a timeline on our commitment. Each community will need to decide that for themselves. This goal will be difficult to meet and we don't have all the answers today on how it's going to be achieved", she says.
"We know that we have work to do. We know it will be challenging for farmers. We know the answers are complex and we don't have them all now. This commitment is simply the right thing to do in playing our part to give back to future generations what we enjoyed as kids."
The Farming Leaders Group is an informal grouping of New Zealand pastoral farming leaders that was established in May 2017 to work on issues of importance to the sector.
The current membership is Mike Petersen (Sheep & Beef Farmer), Michael Spaans (Dairy Farmer and Dairy NZ Chair), James Parsons (Sheep & Beef Farmer and Beef + Lamb NZ Chair), John Loughlin (Meat Industry Association Chair), Katie Milne (Dairy Farmer and Federated Farmers President), Bruce Wills (Sheep & Beef Farmer and Ravensdown Director), and John Wilson (Dairy Farmer and Fonterra Chair).
The improvements already made have been done by farmers who understand the importance of clean water, without the crude instrument of a water tax which Megan Hands describes as a kick in the guts for farmers:
There is no doubt that water management is top of mind for many of us this election, but none more so than our farmers and growers, particularly those with irrigation. It's struck me that using the word farmer seems to irk many, as if it has some kind of negative connotation.
The reality is that New Zealand's farmers collectively are a group of thousands of small, often family run businesses and their employees. Many are self-employed and punch well above their weight to compete on a global scale, often up against farmers from nations who receive significant subsidies from their governments to assist with their costs of production, top up their incomes or assist them to undertake environmental works.
Irrigation dates to back the Ancient Egyptians and, simply put, we have it because we need water to grow crops or feed for our animals. In the areas of the country that have the most irrigation, rainfall can be scarce, ranging from just 300mm in parts of Central Otago, through to 500-700mm in Canterbury and Marlborough, as compared with the 1,200mm that falls in Auckland annually. Irrigation is used by some farmers and growers to supplement that shortfall in rain and to remain resilient in drought years.
Irrigation schemes don't just allow farmers to weather dry weather. They also augment natural flows in rivers and streams to improve water quality and enhance water life.
What then is the likely impact of Labour's water tax policy on these families and their communities?
On the face of it phrases like "polluter pays" or "user pays: may sound appealing, but the balancing of the environmental, social, cultural and economic needs of our communities is more complex than that.
An important point to note from the outset is that nobody in New Zealand pays for water. Even in Auckland, Watercare charges for the treatment and reticulation of water to your home or business, not for the water itself. In the same way as you pay the council through your rates or water bill, Irrigators pay for the infrastructure through consenting, drilling of wells, installation and running of pumping stations or through payments to irrigation schemes with costs of up to $800 a hectare.
That's what we pay for water from North Otago Irrigation COmpany's scheme – $800 a hectare a year. On top of that we have to have an environmental farm plan which is independently audited each year.
When Labour's policy was first announced, there was little detail of pricing. It appears now we are looking at a price of 2 cents per cubic metre, or 1000 Litres.
For some context, to apply 1mm of water over 1 hectare of land it takes 10,000 litres of water or 10 cubic metres. So, to supplement that shortfall of rainfall and sustain crop or pasture growth it quickly equates to large volumes of water.
To keep the maths simple, a 200ha cropping farm growing grain or grass seeds in mid Canterbury applying 500mm of irrigation water a year would have a new additional tax bill of $20,000 a year.
A 100hectare vineyard in Blenheim might use 199,500 cubic metres of water through a drip micro system and have an additional tax bill of $3,990.
Another dairy farmer well known on Twitter has calculated his annual water tax bill on his farm to be $53,000.
Suddenly a couple of cents doesn't sound so small.
It's not just the amount but that it will be taken from irrigators regardless of whether their practices are contributing to water quality problems, some will go to Iwi and some will go to regional councils.
What's left after the costs of collection and distribution is supposed to be used to clean up waterways, but how? It it's individual farms causing problems they should be responsible for fixing them and not at the cost of those who are already doing everything right.
The key drivers for irrigation requirements are the soil type and its ability to hold water, the crops water demand and the evapotranspiration of the area. In the examples above, grapes have a lower water demand than pasture or grain crops. There is a great deal of science and high level of management that goes into managing irrigation efficiently.
One arable farmer at a meeting in Ashburton on Friday said that he had calculated that at 2 cents/m3 his annual water tax bill could equate to half his annual income. Another wondered aloud what happens if he has a crop failure and he receives zero income for that year but still must pay the tax for the irrigation water he used?
What will happen in wet seasons, like the last one, when there was hardly any irrigation? Our power bill was about 10% of what it had been the previous season which indicates we used about a 10th of the irrigation.
And what will they do with the seagulls which are causing the only water quality problem in the Kakanui River?
In districts where there are significant areas of irrigation this tax would mean millions of dollars being removed from these local economies in additional tax. In these regional areas, the small towns and cities rely on primary industry to keep them going. For Ashburton and Timaru some estimates have come in around $40 million. Tim Cadogan, mayor of Central Otago, is quoted as saying the tax will cost his district $6 million dollars. That's millions of dollars not transferred to local tradesman, the local café or the rural supplies store.
This proposed tax has been portrayed as the solution to NZ's water quality problems, although the more we learn about this policy the more difficult it is to link the purported benefits with the method proposed. If Labour do as they say and return the tax to the areas from which it is collected (minus the percentage that goes to iwi), the areas with the poorest water quality will only receive a small slice of the tax. This is because there is almost no correlation between swimability of rivers and irrigation.
This policy is based not on facts but on the unsubstantiated belief that irrigation causes water degradation.
In our area it's the opposite case. The Waiareka Creek that used to be a series of semi-stagnant ponds now flows clear all year and water life has re-established because irrigation water is doing what nature couldn't – maintain water flows.
One of the greatest concerns regarding this policy is the possibility it could make meeting required reductions in nutrient losses more difficult. Making changes on a farm to improve water quality is not cheap and any additional money squeezed out of what are often tight budgets may make it more difficult to do so. As an example, $20,000-30,000 can pay for three or four soil moisture meters to aid in more targeted use of irrigation or perhaps part of a new effluent system.
A water tax is a broad-brush approach to what are varied and complex issues. In my view identifying the contaminants causing the water quality problems for a catchment and targeting the management of those at catchment scale is a far superior approach than paying money to a government organisation in the hope that it will be returned to be spent the catchment it came from.
Last Friday David Parker, Labour's spokesperson for freshwater fronted a public meeting in Ashburton. While I'd already been publicly critical of the approach of a water tax, I wanted to hear what he had to say in more depth than a media soundbite or the 300-word summary on the Labour party website. I've also long believed that there is a legitimate conversation to be had about how we should fund environmental infrastructure such as the Managed Aquifer Recharge site in Ashburton, new storm water systems or floating wetlands such as those installed at Te Arawa in Rotorua.
I was bitterly disappointed.
Mr Parker provided photos of poor farming practices to set the tone. Of the farming practices that we were seeing in the photos, not even one of them was related to irrigation and none were from Canterbury. Almost every single one of them would be illegal in Canterbury under the existing Land and Water Regional Plan putting your consent to farm or your access to irrigation water at risk of being cut off.
When questioned on the price, Mr Parker warned the room that he wasn't there to negotiate and threatened the farmers in the room that if they pushed him it would be 2 cents instead of 1 cent. He continually referred to the farmers in the room as "you people", taking aim at them and telling them they alone were responsible for the rural urban divide.
It is the responsibility of us all to manage our water well and that includes irrigators, towns and cities, and other commercial users. If we are going to tackle these challenges we must do it together, instead of pointing the finger at one another.
The management of our freshwater is important for our ecosystems, our businesses and our recreation. Water is precious to all of us and deserves far more sophisticated and collaborative policy development then soundbites and feel good election policies if we are to deliver the kaitiakitanga it deserves.
The pledge by the farmers' group will work where the water tax won't.
It will be led by and accomplished by farmers working with farmers, not politicians extracting a tax only some of which will be applied to improving water quality.
1 Comment	| business, environment, Farming, food, politics, rural	| Tagged: Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ), Bruce Wills, DairyNZ, David Parker, Dr Tim Mackle, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, James Parsons, John Loughlin, John Wilson, Kakanui River, Katie Milne, Labour Party, Meat Industry Association (MIA), Megan Hands, Michael Spaans, Mike Petersen, Ravensdown, Sustainable Dairy Water Accord, water tax	| Permalink
Thousands of salmon killed in farm break-in:
Thousands of salmon have been killed during a burglary at a salmon farm on the West Coast.
Police are investigating the burglary at the South Westland Salmon Farm and Cafe in Paringa on Saturday.
Offenders entered the farm grounds that night and tampered with machinery on site.
The police said the intruders shut off the water supply to the salmon-rearing tanks, causing at least 13,000 fish to suffocate from a lack of oxygen. . .
Gap between town and country growing – James Stewart:
As the world's population grows, so too does urbanisation. Towns turn into cities, houses into apartment blocks and the gap between urban and rural broadens. However the divide left is not just physical. It also creates a void of knowledge about what goes on in our rural communities.
Today's urbanised generations are arguably more informed than ever. Thanks to technology, information is at our finger tips, and there are plenty of other opportunities to learn. Advertising is a multimillion dollar business for a reason. A few seconds air time is all it needs to cast a net on an audience, influencing their thoughts with the end goal of enticing them to buy a product, or view the world through a different lens. . .
Results Announced for the 2016 Fonterra Elections:
Returning Officer Warwick Lampp, of electionz.com Ltd, has declared the final results of the 2016 elections for the Fonterra Board of Directors, Directors' Remuneration Committee, Fonterra Farmer Custodian Trustee and Shareholders' Council.
Shareholders voted to elect incumbent Director Michael Spaans and new Director Donna Smit. Stuart Nattrass was unsuccessful.
Donna Smit lives and farms at Edgecumbe, and has built and owned seven dairy farms in Eastern Bay of Plenty and Oamaru. Donna is a Director of Ballance Agri Nutrients and Primary ITO, and a Trustee of Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre and Eastern Bay Energy Trust. Donna is a Chartered Accountant and was Company Administrator at Kiwifruit Co-operative EastPack for 24 years. . .
Quake creates massive lake on family farm – Emma Cropper,
A giant lake and three-metre-high wall have been created on a family farm near Waiau, revealing the massive power of November's earthquake.
Geotech scientists from around the world are scrambling to see the newly formed 'Lake Rebekah' and the 'Waiau wall' on the Kelly family's farm.
The family is dwarfed by the sheer size of the rupture that's torn straight through their property, forming a giant wall hidden in the hills of the farm. . .
Northland irrigation study welcomed :
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has welcomed an investment of $165,000 from Crown Irrigation Investments to scope irrigation scheme options in Northland.
"This is great news for a region that has suffered numerous droughts over the years," says Mr Guy.
"Storing water means we can use it in dry spells, giving farmers and growers certainty and a real boost to the local economy."
Northland Regional Council are also investing in the study which will focus on potential irrigation options in the mid North and Kaipara areas. . .
Rural quake damage tipped at $40m – Alexa Cook:
Rural insurance company FMG estimates that at least $40m of claims will be made from the 7.8 earthquake and aftershocks.
FMG's Chief Operations Officer Conrad Wilkshire said the firm insured about half of the farms and rural businesses in the Kaikōura, North Canterbury and Marlborough districts.
Mr Wilkshire said so far they had received about 700 insurance claims from 500 businesses. . .
Kotahi partners with Cape Sanctuary:
Kotahi, the country's largest export supply chain collaboration, has signed a long-term partnership with Cape Sanctuary, a significant wildlife restoration programme at Cape Kidnappers, in a bid to protect native New Zealand birds.
Cape Sanctuary Co-founder Andy Lowe said Kotahi's partnership will allow two additional New Zealand native species, the near extinct Shore Plover and endangered Blue Duck, to be included in the Cape Sanctuary programme.
"Our philosophy is to develop long-standing partnerships with businesses, iwi and Department of Conservation to restore native bird life to our region. Cape Sanctuary began as a project by people passionate about bringing back and sustaining native species that once would have existed on the Cape Kidnappers peninsula and nearby coastal communities. . .
Snapper 1 plan accepted:
A long-term plan for the future management of New Zealand's most valuable snapper fishery has been accepted by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy today.
"The Snapper 1 Management Plan is the result of more than two years hard work by the SNA1 Strategy Group, which is made up of members from the customary, recreational and commercial fishing sectors," says Mr Guy.
"This fishery includes Bay of Plenty, the Hauraki Gulf and the eastern coast of Northland and is one of our most iconic inshore fisheries. It's pleasing to have a range of perspectives sitting around the table and coming up with a long term plan for maximising the benefits for everyone." . .
Top winery proposes vineyard village in Central Otago:
Leading Central Otago winery Wooing Tree Vineyard has today released plans that will enable the development of a boutique residential and commercial space designed to complement its wine business in Cromwell.
A zone change will need to be granted by the Central Otago District Council (CODC) to facilitate the development of the proposed Wooing Tree Estate, which is pegged for the vineyard's 26-hectare site between SH6, SH8B and Shortcut Road. While Wooing Tree Vineyard will remain at the site, the new development could include various community amenities, tourist attractions, retail, accommodation and prime housing lots. . .
1 Comment	| business, environment, Farming, food, rural	| Tagged: Andy Lowe, Cape Sanctuary, Conrad Wilkshire, Crown Irrigation Investments Limited (CIIL), Department of Conservation (DoC), Donna Smit, Emma Cropper, FMG, Fonterra, James Stewart, Kotahi, Michael Spaans, Nathan Guy, Rebekah Kelly, SNA1 Strategy Group, Snapper 1 Management Plan, South Westland Salmon Farm and Cafe, Stuart Nattrass, Warwick Lampp, Wooing Tree Estate, Wooing Tree Vineyard	| Permalink
Quake carnage raises 10m new hill at Clarence River – Tim Cronshaw:
A 10 metre high hill pushed up by the 7.5 earthquake on a previously flat river paddock has left valley farmers along the Clarence River completely flabbergasted.
The hill has appeared from nowhere on farmland along river flats about eight kilometres up the valley.
"It was completely flat and now there is a 30 foot hill in the middle of Priam's Flat and the whole river has come up," said Matariki farmer James Murray. "it's unbelievable and if you hadn't know what it looked like before you would never notice it." . . .
Fairlie couple 2016 South Island Farmer of the Year:
A husband-and-wife "super team" has secured the title of the Lincoln University Foundation's South Island Farmer of the Year at the 2016 finals held tonight (Wednesday 16 November).
Chief Judge Nicky Hyslop says that Neil and Lyn Campbell won the judges' praise with the "efficient, incredibly flexible and adaptive" approach to the way they have developed their dryland property. Their focus has been on systems that allow them to pursue activities that generate the most profit at the most effective point of time, with land stewardship always the foundation of their decisions.
The Campbells' farm consists of 769ha of rolling hills and flats in Middle Valley near Fairlie in South Canterbury, producing sheep, deer breeding and finishing, and a variety of crops. . .
Nattrass eyes another stint on Fonterra board:
Former Fonterra director Stuart Nattrass is making a bid to rejoin the co-op's board. The South Canterbury farmer has been confirmed as a self-nominated director candidate.
He will face off with the two board-nominated directors Michael Spaans and Donna Smit.
The self nomination process allowed any Fonterra shareholder (with the support of 35 different shareholders) to put themselves forward as a director candidate and be considered for election by their fellow shareholders alongside the previously announced Independent nomination process candidates. . .
Fonterra running normally, helping quake-hit farmers – Mark Daniel:
With the South Island earthquake dominating our screens, Rural News Group had the opportunity to catch up with Fonterra's Director of Farmer services, Matt Bolger at Wednesday's Farm Focus Day at Owl Farm, Cambridge.
Bolger confirmed that since the seismic event they had been in close contact with their teams on the ground in the area, and could confirm that there were no injuries to Fonterra staff or suppliers.
He also told the largely farmer based audience that all factories in the organisation were running normally, although some had shut down automatically due to aftershocks, but were now all back on line. . .
Crayfish confused by quake ushered back into the water – Kate Newton:
Disorientated crayfish, thrust out of the ocean onto the Kaikoura coastline, have been slowly ushered back into the water by locals.
Along the Kaikoura coastline, earthquake conversation keeps turning to the native crayfish for which the coast is named.
A horde of escaped crayfish (koura) was a side effect of Monday's massive 7.8 magnitude shake, according to Ward resident Kerry Snell.
"When we got to the [Burkhart Fish] factory, the crayfish that were ready for the load-out, all the bins had tipped over and there were crayfish crawling everywhere. A couple of hundred. I think it was two tonnes of crayfish, just all crawling around. Disoriented too, as we all were." . . .
Appeal Court turns down Fonterra's bid to keep inferior terms for ex-NZDL suppliers – Paul McBeth:
Fonterra Cooperative Group has lost its bid to overturn a High Court ruling against inferior terms offered to the suppliers of the failed New Zealand Dairies Ltd business in South Canterbury.
The Court of Appeal bench, comprising Justices Tony Randerson, Helen Winkelmann and Brendan Brown, today rejected Fonterra's application to throw out a ruling that it breached the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act by imposing less favourable terms on farmers who had previously supplied NZDL. . . .
Sanford's Move From Volume to Value Helps Boost Profit 152%:
Sanford Limited (NZX:SAN) has today posted a 152% increase in net profit after tax to $34.7m for the year ended 30 September.
The Group posted an 85.5% increase in reported EBIT to $57.7m, with revenue up $13.2m to $463.5m.
Sanford CEO, Volker Kuntzsch said it's a pleasing result after a year of focus across the business on executing the company's volume to value strategy. . .
Sanford annual profit more than doubles on weaker kiwi, cheaper fuel – Paul McBeth:
BusinessDesk) – Sanford, New Zealand's largest listed fishing group, more than doubled annual profit as a weaker kiwi dollar and cheaper fuel bolstered earnings in the face of a smaller catch, and as year-earlier impairment charges weren't repeated.
Net profit rose to $34.7 million, or 37.1 cents per share, in the 12 months ended Sept. 30 from $13.8 million, or 14.8 cents, a year earlier, the Auckland-based company said in a statement. Revenue rose 2.9 percent to $463.5 million, even as the volume of its catch shrank 11 percent as the company extracted more from a higher-value catch and a weaker kiwi generated bigger export receipts. . .
Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd v McIntyre and Williamson:
PARTNERSHIP AND ORS (CA736/2015)
[2016] NZCA 538
PRESS SUMMARY
This summary is provided to assist in the understanding of the Court's judgment. It does not comprise part of the reasons for that judgment. The full judgment with reasons is the only authoritative document. The full text of the judgment and reasons can be found at http://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz.
1. The Court of Appeal has today dismissed an appeal brought by Fonterra against a High Court ruling that Fonterra had discriminated against a group of dairy farmers by offering them less favourable terms on which it would purchase their milk.
2. The respondents are South Island dairy farmers who were contracted to supply milk to New Zealand Dairies Ltd (NZDL) when it went into receivership in May 2012.
Fonterra successfully tendered to purchase NZDL's plant in Studholme. As part of the deal, NZDL's suppliers agreed to switch to selling their milk to Fonterra. . .
Good news for wine and spirit industries:
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Goldsmith has welcomed the passing of a bill which will enable New Zealand wine and spirit makers to register the geographical origins of their products.
"The value of our wine exports has now reached $1.6 billion. We must jealously guard the reputation of New Zealand wines if we are to continue growing our wine exports," says Mr Goldsmith.
The Bill amends the Geographical Indications (Wines and Spirits) Registration Act (the Act) to ensure the process for registering geographical indicators runs smoothly. . .
Largest robotic farm taking shape:
A 6500-head dairy farm in Chile will become the world's largest robotic dairy after signing an agreement to install 64 DeLaval VMS milking robots.
The farm, owned by AgrÌcola Ancali and part of the Bethia Group, already has 16 DeLaval VMS installed and averages 45.2 litres for the 920 cows going through the robotic milking system.
Ancali AgrÌcola chief executive, Pedro Heller, says the expansion follows good results from first stage of the robotic dairy. . .
Leave a Comment »	| business, Farming, food, rural	| Tagged: AgrÌcola Ancali, Bethia Group, Burkhart Fish, crayfish, Donna Smit, Fonterra, James Murray, Kate Newton, Kerry Snell, Lincoln University Foundation's South Island Farmer of the Year, Lyn Campbell, Mark Daniel, Matt Bolger, Michael Spaans, Neil Campbell, Nicky Hyslop, NZ Dairies Ltd (NZDL), Paul Goldsmith, Paul McBeth, Pedro Heller, Priam's Flat, Sanford, Stuart Nattrass, Tim Cronshaw, Volker Kuntzsch	| Permalink
Heartland: Grass is greenest for environment – Jacqueline Rowarth:
Streams of traffic at Labour weekend, with boats, jet skis and trail bikes loaded on or behind four-wheel drive vehicles, heralded the start of the summer outdoor life, part of the New Zealand heritage.
The fact that fossil fuel consumption was involved, thereby increasing the contribution to global greenhouse gases (GHG), was probably not considered by most people as they took to the road. Nor was the decision to make 1.09 million overseas holiday trips in the September 2016 year. Statistics New Zealand data indicated residents took 71,200 more holiday trips than in the September 2015 year.
But, overall, New Zealand produces less than 2% of the global GHG emissions, so people are getting out there and enjoying life. . .
MP Chester Borrows says hidden camera footage threatens New Zealand's economy – Sue O'Dowd:
Hidden-camera footage of on-farm practices not only breaches farmers' security but also threatens New Zealand's economy, says politician Chester Borrows.
The Whanganui MP and one-time police officer turned lawyer is urging Taranaki farmers and rural residents to attend the rural crime prevention national roadshow – a joint police, FMG and Federated Farmers initiative – when it visits Stratford and Tikorangi on November 10.
Figures presented at FMG's annual meeting in Taranaki in September showed rural crime cost the company $21 million in claims in the last five years. . .
From the Lip – bobby calves and Big Brother – Jamie Mackay:
The latest bobby calf cruelty video released by Farmwatch is yet again another salutary reminder of how careful farmers and farming have to be, in an age where social media rules and where the consumer is king.
I have to be bit careful when dishing out advice from behind the safety of a keyboard because I've never loaded bobby calves on to a truck, save for a few we bought and reared as kids on to the back of a car trailer.
But I have spent many years, in a past life, working with livestock and can understand the pressures and fatigue farmers and farm workers face in the course of a 14 hour working day at calving or lambing time. . .
More tertiary graduates needed to grow a savvy agri-industry – Pat Deavoll:
The agricultural and horticultural industry will need more than 60,000 more workers by 2025 to be sustainable.
The Ministry for Primary Industries estimates horticulture will need an extra 7800 workers and meat and wool 16,500 fewer unqualified workers through the natural attrition of the industry but will need 11,400 with tertiary qualifications. The arable sector will need another 4700 workers and dairy 2300 more workers.
However, the biggest demand will come from the support area with as many as 30,000 more jobs required. . .
Global Farmer Network 'amazing' – Sally Rae:
When Jane Smith headed to the Global Farmer Roundtable discussion in Iowa earlier this month, she was not sure what she should expect.
But it turned out to be an "amazing' character-building trip for the North Otago farmer who was the sole representative from New Zealand.
The Global Farmer Network is a non-profit advocacy group led by farmers from around the world who support global expansion of trade and a farmer's freedom to access the technology they need to be productive and sustainable. . .
Farmers praised for ability to cut costs:
Not surprisingly, the 2015-16 dairy season has been officially declared the most challenging year yet for dairy farmers.
The $3.90 kg/ms milk price was the lowest in more than a decade and affected farmers who were, on average, operating at a break-even cost of $5.25 kg/ms, figures released at DairyNZ's recent annual meeting in Ashburton showed.
Despite an obvious shortfall in farm income, farmers made positive steps in reducing their costs of production, chairman Michael Spaans said.
In August, DairyNZ revised the average farm's break-even cost down to $5.05 kg/ms for 2016-17.''This is a rare positive from a period of low milk prices and something farmers should be immensely proud of. . .
Good points about US farming trumped by low profits – Pita Alexander:
In the middle of a fascinating election campaign any prayers you have would be reserved for the American people rather than their new president
Some years ago a reporter asked Pope XXIII about how many people worked at the Vatican. His reply was: about half. The sooner the United States election is over the sooner about half the population can get back to work.
Many years ago Mahatma Gandhi was asked what he thought of western civilisation. His reply was: he thought it was a good idea. Yet I counted 22 serious confrontations around the world on October 28 where lives were being lost every day. Mr Gandhi would not be happy about this. I did not include any of the internal US confrontations in my total.
At the farming level, do not get the idea that the typical US family farm has a good net income. The median figure for this year is estimated to be about $109,000 (US$76,282), but most of this comes from off-farm income. . .
Leave a Comment »	| business, Farming, food, rural	| Tagged: Chester Borrows, DairyNZ, Farmwatch, Global Farmer Roundtable, Jacqueline Rowarth, Jamie Mackay, Jane Smith, Michael Spaans, Pat Deavoll, Pita Alexander, Sally Rae, Sue O'Dowd	| Permalink
Marks & Spencer Scotland pulls pin on NZ lamb – Alexa Cook:
British retailer Marks & Spencer will no longer stock New Zealand lamb in its Scottish stores, after a decision to only sell locally-produced lamb.
New Zealand exports about 29,000 lambs a year to Marks & Spencer in Scotland and the decision will hit about 10 or 12 lamb producers in this country.Beef and Lamb NZ chairman James Parsons is in Britain, France, Ireland and Belgium this week to assess what effect Brexit may have on New Zealand exports. . .
Farmer grows from on-lamb farm to million dollar empire in six years – Paul Mitchell:
In just six years, a farmer south of Whanganui has grown his business from a single block of land to a multi-million dollar company supplying restaurants and supermarkets globally.
This week Coastal Spring Lamb, at Turakina, received its first order from China, giving it a foot-hold in the biggest market in the world.
Founder Richard Redmayne said this was the eighth export market for the firm since it began selling overseas in January last year. . .
At war with the pukeko – one gardener's greatest foe – Charlie Mitchell:
The pukekos strike just before dawn, leaving hundreds of destroyed cabbages and a market gardener in despair.
Commercial gardener Brent Treleaven is at war with the native birds, which have caused thousands of dollars worth of damage on his farm north of Christchurch.
He had to relinquish part of his market garden to the pukeko after they took it over. . .
Cows get inspirational talk before milking – Simon Wong:
An Australian farmer says the pep talks he gives his cows is an easy way to bring cheer to his colleagues, who are facing some trying times.
Two videos of southwestern Victoria farmer Adam Jenkins, posted on Facebook by his wife Catherine, have been shared thousands of times in the past few days.
They're of Mr Jenkins giving his cows encouragement before heading into the milking shed and then afterward congratulating them on their efforts. . .
Industry's competitiveness in spotlight at DairyNZ AGM:
Dairy farmers' ability to remain internationally competitive is likely to be a hot topic when dairy industry and research body, DairyNZ, reviews the past year at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Canterbury this month.
DairyNZ is holding its AGM in Ashburton from 11am on Thursday, October 27, at Hotel Ashburton.
Industry body chairman Michael Spaans says the AGM will review the 2015/16 dairy season, including the low milk price challenges, and discuss DairyNZ's highlights for the year and future direction. . .
Latest industry results confirm LIC has the best bulls in the country – by far:
The genetic gain and value that LIC bulls are delivering on New Zealand dairy farms is confirmed in the latest Ranking of Active Sires (RAS) list.
A phenomenal 27 of the best 30 bulls on the All Breeds list are LIC's, including the top 14 in a row of all breeds.
"These bulls are managed by LIC on our farmers' behalf, with massive contributions from our top breeders and our Bull Acquisition team," LIC General Manager Biological Systems Geoff Corbett said. . .
1 Comment	| business, Farming, food, rural, trade	| Tagged: Adams Jenkins, Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ), Brent Treleaven, Charlie Mitchell, Coastal Spring Lamb, DairyNZ, James Parsons, Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC), Marks & Spencer, Michael Spaans, Paul Mitchell, pukeko, Ranking of Active Sires (RAS), Richard Redmayne	| Permalink
New regulations for bobby calves:
New regulations to strengthen the law around the management and treatment of bobby calves are planned to be in place before the 2016 spring calving season, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has announced today.
"Most farmers care for their animals and do a good job of looking after them. However it's important we have clear rules and enforcement in place. Animal welfare is important not just to animals, but to consumers and our export markets," says Mr Guy.
"The new, strengthened regulations will go to Cabinet for final approval shortly. I want to give farmers, transport operators and processors advance warning of these changes before the start of the calving season." . .
New Regulations Part of Wider Initiative to Strengthen Bobby Calf Welfare:
Details announced today for new regulations for the management and treatment of young calves are part of a wider programme of work by farmers, industry and government to strengthen bobby calf welfare.
The eight organisations that formed the Bobby Calf Action Group at the end of 2015 have accelerated and added to existing measures aimed at ensuring everyone involved with bobby calves applies best practice in their handling and care. . .
Updated tool-kit to help farmers improve health and safety:
An updated tool-kit designed to help farmers better manage risks on their farms will be distributed at National Fieldays at Mystery Creek.
The tool-kit, which provides practical advice and resources to help farmers improve health and safety on their farms, has been developed by Safer Farms, ACC and WorkSafe New Zealand's health and safety programme designed with farmers and the wider agricultural sector.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Federated Farmers were among the groups which provided input to the tool-kit. Beef + Lamb New Zealand, in addition to working with WorkSafe on the new tool-kit, is working with sheep and beef farmers to help them meet their obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chief Executive, Sam McIvor, says that by the end of June, the organisation will have run over 70 health and safety workshops for more than 2,100 attendees around the country. . .
Nominations & entries open for South Island Farmer of the Year:
Nominations and entries are open for the 2016 Lincoln University Foundation South Island Farmer of the Year competition, and organisers are expecting wide interest.
Foundation Chair Ben Todhunter says, "Last year we had excellent entries which resulted in a tie, with Omarama Station and Clearwater Mussels sharing the honours. This substantially boosted public interest and we had excellent attendance at all of our events. We anticipate this level of interest will continue in 2016." . . .
Genetic base cow change brings breeding worth back:
The genetic base cow – the genetic reference point for all dairy cattle in New Zealand – will be updated this month when it will become younger, moving from a 2000 to a 2005-born base cow.
New Zealand Animal Evaluation Limited (NZAEL) manager Jeremy Bryant says the genetic base is updated every five years and will be again on June 19, 2016.
Jeremy says the base cow update reflects genetic progress and prevents the gap between today's animals and the genetic base becoming too large. This keeps the scale of genetic predictions relevant. . .
Asia-Pacific's Growing Appetite For NZ Blueberries Produces Record Industry Sales:
Huge demand for New Zealand blueberries is being welcomed by local growers who have exported a record 1.37 million kilograms of fruit this season.
Blueberries New Zealand (BBNZ) today announced over 10 million punnets of berries (worth an estimated $30 million FOB) were shipped to the end of March – a 40 per cent increase on the season before.
"Demand is continuing to grow, especially in Asia-Pacific where a 'food-as-a-medicine' culture prevails," explains Blueberries NZ Chairman Dan Peach. "Asian markets have demonstrated a clear and voracious appetite for blueberries thanks to the wide range of amazing health benefits they offer." . .
DairyNZ announces new associate directors:
Two dairy farmers from Canterbury and south Auckland will join the DairyNZ Board of Directors this year.
New associate directors Jessie Chan-Dorman and Stu Muir have been selected to join the DairyNZ board for successive six month terms. Jessie begins this month and Stu from January 2017.
DairyNZ chair Michael Spaans says Jessie and Stu bring great industry experience to the roles, which are about providing experience to future leaders, showing first-hand how a board works and what goes into making key decisions. . .
Leave a Comment »	| business, Farming, food, rural	| Tagged: ACC, Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ), Ben Todhunter, Blueberries NZ (BBNZ), bobby calves, Clearwater Mussels, DairyNZ, Dan Peach, Federated Farmers, Jeremy Bryant, Jessie Chan-Dorman, Lincoln University Foundation South Island Farmer of the Year, Michael Spaans, Nathan Guy, NZ Animal Evaluation Limited (NZAEL), Omarama Station, Safer Farms, Sam McIvor, Stu Muir, WorkSafe NZ	| Permalink
600 apple pickers wanted now – Ryan Bridge:
Are you looking for a job? Or do you know anyone who is?
There are 600 vacancies for apple pickers in one orchard in the Hawke's Bay right now.
It's a three-month picking season and this is only one orchard.
Another orchard down the road needs another 120 workers in the next two weeks and it even offers to give you a ride to work. . .
Spot-on breakthrough – Karen Bailey:
IMAGINE if you could cut your herbicide, insecticide and fungicide bill by using as much as 99 per cent less chemical.
That's the claim by an English research company working on the development of an intelligent sprayer that can recognise specific weeds, insects and diseases in agricultural crops.
There are already a few targeted droplet dispensing systems on the Australian market that can do this with varying success, but Cambridge Consultants claims its sprayer features new generation technology that has been transferred across from its medical product development team. . .
Creating a new blueprint for hill country farming – Gerald Piddock:
Dan Steele has a vision for New Zealand agriculture.
It's a vision where farmers produce high-valued goods that sell the country's environmental image to the world.
But to succeed, it means a radical shift from the traditional production-per-hectare model that has been New Zealand's mainstay for the past 100 years. . .
Big station aims for shepherd Lexie – Amanda Saxton:
Cambridge-raised Alexia Phillips – known as Lexie – came to Otiwhiti a skilled horsewoman but with little else in the way of farming nous. Last year she graduated as both top academic and top cadet from Otiwhiti's agricultural training school.
A buddy going shepherding while Lexie was still at Hamilton's Hillcrest High spurred her to sign up at the 3250 hectare station near Hunterville.
"Hearing about my friend's experiences made me think 'oh, that could be a bit of me'," the 18-year-old said. . .
Ahuwhenua Trophy finalists announced:
Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy have congratulated this year's Ahuwhenua Trophy competition finalists, celebrating excellence in Māori farming.
The three finalists are Tahu a Tao farm in Rakaia near Ashburton, Te Ahu Pātiki and Maukatere near Oxford in Canterbury and Tewi Trust in Okoroire near Tirau.
"I commend these finalists for their sheer hard work and fulfilling a legacy left by Sir Apirana Ngata, who helped introduce the competition which encourages proficiency and skills in Māori farming," says Mr Flavell. . .
Major Events Fund invests in the World Shearing and Wool Handling Championships 2017:
The Government is investing $260,000 through the Major Events Development Fund in the Golden Shears World Shearing and Wool Handling Championships to be held in Invercargill from 9 – 11 February 2017.
Participants and spectators from over 30 countries are expected to attend the iconic event, with competitors travelling from as far as the Falkland Islands and Isle of Man to compete.
Devorah Blumberg, Manager of New Zealand Major Events, says New Zealand is known worldwide for its thriving agricultural sector. . .
Farmer leaders sought for DairyNZ board:
Aspiring directors are being sought for DairyNZ's Board of Directors.
Farmer leaders are encouraged to apply for two associate director roles which provide an invaluable opportunity to see governance in action.
DairyNZ chair Michael Spaans says the associate directors must be dairy farmers who want to move beyond their farm and into industry leadership.
"We will be looking for candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to their personal and governance development," says Michael. . .
Owl Farm focus day a valuable resource:
How will changing health and safety legislation affect your farm? Are empty rates higher than normal this season on dairy farms? And what alternatives are there to chicory for summer cropping? These key dairy industry topics and more will be discussed on Wednesday 2 March at Owl Farm's first farm focus day for 2016.
Owl Farm, the St Peter's School and Lincoln University Demonstration Dairy Farm, will host guest speakers from Fegan & Co, LIC and PGG Wrightson Seeds. Owl Farm Manager Tom Buckley will give an update on the season so far and give examples from Owl Farm to illustrate the issues at hand. . .
In 1841 one in five Britons worked in agriculture. Today it's less than 1%. More than 80% work in services pic.twitter.com/hDpseryYp8
— Ed Conway (@EdConwaySky) February 17, 2016
Hat tip: Utopia
Leave a Comment »	| business, Farming, food, rural	| Tagged: Ahuwhenua Trophy, Alexia Phillips, Amanda Saxton, Cambridge Consultants, DairyNZ, Dan Steele, Devorah Blumberg, Fegan & Co, Gerald Piddock, Golden Shears World Shearing and Wool Handling Championships, Karen Bailey, LIC, Lincoln University, Michael Spaans, Nathan Guy, Owl Farm, PGG Wrightson Seeds, Ryan Bridge, Sir Apirana Ngata, St Peter's School, Tahu a Tao, Te Ahu Pātiki andMaukatere, Te Ururoa Flavell, Tewi Trust	| Permalink
Alliance in good shape, Donald says – Sally Rae:
He's been sitting around the board table at Alliance Group for 24 years but Murray Donald has finally called time.
Come December 17 and the Southland farmer will be gone, as he is standing down as a supplier representative at the company's annual meeting in Oamaru.
Mr Donald (54), who farms near Winton, and fellow long serving director Doug Brown, of Maheno, who was elected in 2001, have decided not to seek re election. . .
Exit from EU could cripple UK agriculture – Allan Barber:
A new report by agricultural consultancy Agra Europe entitled Preparing for Brexit suggests leaving the EU, to be determined by a referendum in 2017, could destroy the British farming sector. The authors have based their forecast on the Coalition government's 2013 Fresh Start Policy document which theorised that British agriculture could imitate New Zealand and Australia's success in surviving, even flourishing, in a post-subsidy world.
Not surprisingly there is plenty of scepticism about the realistic prospect of either of these scenarios eventuating. If British voters chose the Brexit option, it is most unlikely any government would eliminate all subsidies, while a cursory glance at the proportion of farm income from EU Common Agricultural Policy payments shows how laughable it would be to expect them to become suddenly profitable. . .
Contest continues to hold appeal – Sally Rae:
Chris Pemberton was just a lad when he competed in the Young Farmers Contest.
It was 2005 and, at 17, Mr Pemberton was one of the youngest regional finalists in the contest's then 36-year history.
He was still at boarding school at St Kevin's College when he competed in the Aorangi regional final.
While unplaced, he performed creditably and was a favourite with the crowd. . .
Spaans new DairyNZ head – Stephen Bell:
Waikato dairy farmer Michael Spaans has been elected the new chairman of DairyNZ.
The industry-good body held a special meeting of the board this weekend.
Spaans will serve an annual term as chairman, leading an eight-member board made up of five farmer-elected and three independent directors.
He replaced long-serving chairman and former Cabinet minister John Luxton who retired from the DairyNZ board last month after 12 years of service on dairy industry bodies. . .
Yashili New Zealand's Pokeno factory opens – Gerald Piddock:
Yashili New Zealand Dairy Co has opened its new state-of-the-art infant formula manufacturing plant in Pokeno, south of Auckland.
The 30,000m2 plant will employ 85 staff and have an annual production capacity of about 52,000 tonnes of formula product. It will produce formula under the brand 'Super Alpha-Golden Stage Infant Formula' with shipments to China expected to begin in early 2016.
Yashili New Zealand is a leading producer of infant milk formula for the domestic market in China. It was founded in July 2012 and is a subsidiary of Yashili International Holdings and Mengniu Dairy Co. The new factory took three years to build and cost $220 million. The company's goals were to produce the highest quality infant formula and raise the healthiest babies in China. . .
Yashili, Arla and Danone sign agreement – Gerald Piddock:
Yashili International along with European dairy producers Arla and Danone have entered into global strategic cooperation agreement.
Signed at the opening of Yashili's new infant formula plant at Pokeno on November 6, the agreement will see the three companies work closer together in supplying products into Arla and Danone's markets.
"It is a significant agreement between these two great dairy producers who are each committed to the highest standard of food quality and safety," Yashili International Holdings president Lu Mingfang said. . .
Leave a Comment »	| Uncategorized	| Tagged: Agra Europe, Allan Barber, Alliance Group, Arla, Brexit, Chris Pemberton, Common Agricultural Policy, DairyNZ, Danone, Doug Brown, EU, Gerald Piddock, John Luxton, Lu Mingfang, Michael Spaans, Murray Donald, Stephen Bell, Yashili, Young Farmers Contest	| Permalink
Michael Spaans joins Fonterra board
DairyNZ director Michael Spaans has been elected to the board of Fonterra.
Returning Officer Warwick Lampp, of electionz.com Ltd, has declared the final results of the 2013 Fonterra Board of Directors', Directors' Remuneration Committee and Shareholders' Council elections.
Shareholders voted to re-elect incumbent Directors Malcolm Bailey and Ian Farrelly. They will be joined by new Director Michael Spaans.
Michael Spaans, aged 50, lives in Hamilton and farms at Te Aroha. Michael was a Shareholders' Councillor from 2000 to 2008. Michael is currently a Director of DairyNZ and several other dairy sector companies.
Shareholders Scott Montgomery and Gerard Wolvers were elected unopposed as members of the Directors' Remuneration Committee.
In the Shareholders' Council elections, the following Shareholders' Councillors were elected:
Ward 8 – Hamilton Ross Wallis
Ward 21 – Coastal Taranaki Vaughn Brophy
Both are new Shareholders' Councillors.
In the eleven other Shareholders' Council wards where elections were due, nominees were elected unopposed. The Councillors in those wards are:
Ward 3 – Northern Wairoa Penny Smart
Ward 6 – Hauraki Julie Pirie
Ward 9 – Morrinsville Malcolm Piggott
Ward 12 – Cambridge Kevin Monks
Ward 15 – South Waikato Ian Brown
Ward 18 – Otorohanga Duncan Coull
Ward 24 – Southern Taranaki David Werder
Ward 27 – Southern Manawatu Richard Syme
Ward 30 – Northern Central Canterbury Ange Ward
Ward 32 – Southern Canterbury John Gregan
Ward 33 – Otago Ad Bekkers and Ivan Lines
All successful candidates will take office at the close of the Annual Meeting on Wednesday, 27 November 2013.
Leave a Comment »	| Uncategorized	| Tagged: Ad Bekkers, Ange Ward, DairyNZ, David Werder, Duncan Coull, electionz.com Ltd, Fonterra, Gerard Wolvers, Ian Brown, Ian Farrelly, Ivan Lines, John Gregan, Julie Pirie, Kevin Monks, Malcolm Bailey, Malcolm Piggott, Michael Spaans, Penny Smart, Richard Syme, Ross Wallis, Scott Montgomery, Vaughn Brophy, Warwick Lampp	| Permalink
Dairy farm effluent to electricity plan – Tim Cronshaw:
A new effluent processing system could be working on a Canterbury farm as early as next year as a result of a Nuffield scholarship tour to 21 countries by Meridian Energy agribusiness manager Natasha King.
King is the first person from the energy sector to win a Nuffield scholarship and used the five-month trip she returned from five weeks ago to research whether farmers should use effluent to generate electricity.
She said a possible solution had been found, but this was being kept under wraps until a cow shed trial was operating.
The effluent processing trial would be carried out on a 1000-cow dairy farm to see if dairy effluent could be turned into a fuel source, she said. . .
Ministers welcome new MPI Director General:
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Food Safety Minister Nikki Kaye are welcoming Martyn Dunne CNZM as the new Director-General of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
"Mr Dunne has an outstanding record of service in the military, the public service and as a diplomat," says Mr Guy.
"His appointment signals a fresh start for MPI. I look forward to working with him on important issues like biosecurity and doubling our exports by 2025."
Mr Dunne is currently New Zealand's High Commissioner to Australia, and is a previous Chief Executive of the New Zealand Customs Service. He also has a distinguished record of 27 years' service in the military, where he attained the rank of Major General and was the commander of New Zealand forces in East Timor. . .
Candidates For Fonterra Board of Directors' Election Confirmed:
Candidates for the Fonterra Directors' Election were announced by the Returning Officer today, following the completion of the Candidate Assessment Panel (CAP) process.
This year there are five candidates standing for the Board of Directors. They are Eric Ray, Donna Smit, Michael Spaans, Malcolm Bailey and Ian Farrelly.
As in previous years, the CAP process was available to assess the capabilities, experience and qualifications of Director candidates and provide Fonterra shareholders with more information to help in making an informed vote. While the CAP process is open to all Director candidates, it is not compulsory. This year four of the five candidates went through CAP. . .
14 October closing date for Whey Inquiry submissions:
People who want to make submissions to stage one of the Government Inquiry into the Whey Protein Concentrate Contamination Incident have until 14 October to do so.
Stage one of the Inquiry will review the regulatory framework governing food safety in the dairy industry, and the recognised practices that apply in New Zealand, including a comparison with other comparable jurisdictions.
Stage two will investigate the incident that originated at Fonterra's Hautapu plant in 2012 and developed in 2013. This part of the Inquiry is suspended until after completion of the Ministry for Primary Industries' compliance investigation.
Chair of the Inquiry, Miriam Dean, says the Inquiry is largely inquisitorial in nature. . .
Sir Maarten Wevers joins PGP panel:
Primary Industries Nathan Guy has announced Sir Maarten Wevers as the sixth and newest member of the Primary Growth Partnership's Investment Advisory Panel (IAP).
"This appointment reflects the growing profile and importance of the Primary Growth Partnership," Mr Guy says.
Members of the IAP are responsible for providing advice on the investment decisions of PGP funds, and to help ensure that PGP investments achieve the aims of economic growth.
"Sir Maarten brings a wealth of experience to this role, having held a number of senior public sector and commercial roles spanning 35 years. . .
Tatua delivers a stunner:
Despite the high kiwi dollar, the Waikato based dairy cooperative, Tatua, has delivered an excellent result for its shareholding farmers with a cash payout after retentions of $7.40 per kilogram of milk solids (kg/MS).
"Tatua has always been a high performer and this is more than impressive. It is stunning," says David Fish, a Federated Farmers member and Tatua shareholder.
"An after retention payout of $7.40 kg/MS leaves every other dairy processor trailing in our wake. Fonterra, after all, announced last week a combined milk and dividend payout of $6.16 kg/MS. . .
Stubble fires seen as part of crop rotation:
A review of stubble burning on Canterbury grain farms has defended the practice as an essential part of crop rotation:
But it has also reminded farmers of the need to operate within the rules when they burn the residue after harvesting.
Canterbury Regional Council commissioned the Foundation for Arable Research to do a report on stubble burning as part of a council review of its air plan.
FAR research director, Nick Poole says Canterbury, as the main grain growing region, produces about 700,000 tonnes of crop residue per year, . . .
No.1 Family Estate's Cuvee Adele 2009 takes Trophy for Champion New Zealand Sparkling Wine:
The New Zealand International Wine Show, New Zealand's largest wine competition, has awarded Cuvee Adele 2009 the trophy for Champion New Zealand Sparkling Wine.
Made by winemaker Daniel Le Brun at his company No.1 Family Estate in Marlborough, the Cuvee Adele 2009 was launched in late 2012 as a proud tribute to his wife, Adele on her 60th birthday.
Daniel comments, "I can think of nothing better than an endorsement of this nature regarding this unique wine. It's very special and I am truly delighted." . . .
Leave a Comment »	| business, Farming, rural	| Tagged: Daniel Le Brun, David Fish, Donna Smit, Eric Ray, Fonterra, Foundation for Arable Research (FAR), Ian Farrelly, Malcolm Bailey, Martyn Dunne, Michael Spaans, Miriam Dean, Natasha King, Nathan Guy, Nick Poole, Nikki Kaye, No.1 Family Estate, Nuffield Scholarship, NZ International Wine Show, Primary Growth Partnership, Sir Maarten Wevers, Tatua	| Permalink

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
When Body Bags of Children Are Loaded On To Ambulances
A few hours before the June 11th Arab terror attack which blew up a civilian bus in downtown Jerusalem, five minutes from my office window, the Islamic Movement of Israel called a press conference down the hall at the press center to demand the release of their leaders who have been arrested for the support that they provide the Islamic movement that operates inside the nascent Palestinian Authority.
When I asked these Islamic clerics as to how they could justify support for a movement that endorses cold blooded murder, they shrugged off the question, as if such a question should not be asked.
As a journalist, I have met and interviewed countless Palestinian Arab spokespeople who calmly recount their right to murder Jews for committing the act of living in land of Israel, which the Arab world describes as Palestine.
One of the Palestinian Arab spokespeople whom I have interviewed is Dr. Abdel Rantisi. Although Rantisi is a medical doctor, he calmly invokes a doctrine of the right to murder Jews. In Dr Rantisi's understanding of Islamic law, Jews have no right to encroach upon what he calls the Islamic "wakf: (religious trust) of Palestine and therefore deserves to die. So much for the Hippocatic Oath.
When the IDF made an attempt to kill Dr. Rantisi on June 9th, 2003, following the latest round of murders which Dr. Rantisi had endorsed to the world media, the President of the United States, Mr George W. Bush immediately condemned the attack. The Washington Post of June 10th chimed in, claiming that "Dr. Rantisi is not himself a combatant." He "represents a movement that engages in terrorism," the Post said,, "but his specialty is media interviews, not suicide bombings."
What Bush, the Washington Post and other critics of the IDF attack on Dr. Rantisi's life ignore is that Dr Rantisi remains the penultimate combatant- especially whenever he calls for the murder of Jews, in every part of the land of Israel, on both sides of the 1949/67 lines.
What Israel's critics tend to forget is that the "raison d'etre" of the State of Israel is that this is the first time in 1900 years when Jews can fight back when their enemies openly advocate their murder.
Throughout the centuries, Jews took it on the chin and suffered persecution through generations in a defenseless exile, which culminated in the mass murder of six million Jews in twenty one nations during World War II.
Jewish sovereignty in the land of Israel affords Jews the opportunity to bear weapons against anyone who declares war against the people and state of Israel. No nation can be expected to forfeit the right to fight such an adversary.
The Jewish people have often referred to as the people of the Book. That Book is the Bible.
And in the Bible you find the Book of Ecclesiastes, where we read that "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven… A time to be born, and a time to die…A time to kill, and a time to heal… a time of war, and a time of peace.
If a nation proposes peace, this is "a time of peace".
If a nation declares war, this is a "time of war".
As I witnessed body bags of small children loaded onto ambulances in the aftermath of the June 11th bus bombing in Jerusalem, it was not hard to conclude that this is a "time to kill".
Israel indeed reserves the right to kill Rantisi and any other adversary who would dispatch such messengers to wantonly murder Jews
No nation can remove that right – Road maps not withstanding.
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David Bedein is an MSW community organizer and an investigative journalist. In 1987, Bedein established the Israel Resource News Agency at Beit Agron to accompany foreign journalists in their coverage of Israel, to balance the media lobbies established by the PLO and their allies. Mr. Bedein has reported for news outlets such as CNN Radio, Makor Rishon, Philadelphia Inquirer, Los Angeles Times, BBC and The Jerusalem Post, For four years, Mr. Bedein acted as the Middle East correspondent for The Philadelphia Bulletin, writing 1,062 articles until the newspaper ceased operation in 2010. Bedein has covered breaking Middle East negotiations in Oslo, Ottawa, Shepherdstown, The Wye Plantation, Annapolis, Geneva, Nicosia, Washington, D.C., London, Bonn, and Vienna. Bedein has overseen investigative studies of the Palestinian Authority, the Expulsion Process from Gush Katif and Samaria, The Peres Center for Peace, Peace Now, The International Center for Economic Cooperation of Yossi Beilin, the ISM, Adalah, and the New Israel Fund. Since 2005, Bedein has also served as Director of the Center for Near East Policy Research. A focus of the center's investigations is The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). In that context, Bedein authored Roadblock to Peace: How the UN Perpetuates the Arab-Israeli Conflict - UNRWA Policies Reconsidered, which caps Bedein's 28 years of investigations of UNRWA. The Center for Near East Policy Research has been instrumental in reaching elected officials, decision makers and journalists, commissioning studies, reports, news stories and films. In 2009, the center began decided to produce short movies, in addition to monographs, to film every aspect of UNRWA education in a clear and cogent fashion. The center has so far produced seven short documentary pieces n UNRWA which have received international acclaim and recognition, showing how which UNRWA promotes anti-Semitism and incitement to violence in their education' In sum, Bedein has pioneered The UNRWA Reform Initiative, a strategy which calls for donor nations to insist on reasonable reforms of UNRWA. Bedein and his team of experts provide timely briefings to members to legislative bodies world wide, bringing the results of his investigations to donor nations, while demanding reforms based on transparency, refugee resettlement and the demand that terrorists be removed from the UNRWA schools and UNRWA payroll. Bedein's work can be found at: www.IsraelBehindTheNews.com and www.cfnepr.com. A new site,unrwa-monitor.com, will be launched very soon.


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