Busy year ahead for farming industry

Happy New Year.

The rain much of the country received over late December was possibly the best Christmas present many farmers could wish for, particularly those in South Canterbury, North Otago and Northland.

While Mother Nature was a bit too enthusiastic for many holidaymakers in the southern region, the rain was a welcome relief and sets us up for a stable farming season. It also ensures there is a market for store stock, which is crucial for our farming systems.

Looking overseas, it is easy to feel we are blessed in this country as we have been able to gather with friends and family and enjoy our summer as usual.

Taking a break felt particularly important this year, as 2020 was challenging on so many levels. Aside from the disruption caused by Covid-19 both nationally and internationally, we have had climatic challenges, new environmental regulations and market uncertainty caused by Brexit.

In some ways, I was fortunate to run over my cell phone over the holiday period as it meant a complete break from being connected for a few days.

I really hope all farmers were able to take some time out before launching into another year, because there is a lot happening in 2021.

From a Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) perspective, our priorities include securing sensible rules on water and climate change, and supporting farmers by developing practical tools to help them meet new regulatory requirements.

Before Christmas, there were glimmers of progress around the water regulations and we fully support the recommendations of the Southland Winter Grazing working group that were released in December.

As farmers, we need clarity about the rules as soon as possible so we can get our systems in place before October.

B+LNZ will keep farmers up to date on progress.

Climate change continues to be a huge issue for our sector and we are continuing to push the Government on restrictions on carbon farming to stem the conversion of sheep and beef farms into forestry.

As part of our sector’s climate change commitment (He waka eke noa), farmers will be expected to begin calculating their on-farm emissions from this year and B+LNZ will be providing advice on how to do this.

Improving sheep and beef farmers’ social license is another priority for B+LNZ. We need to help our urban communities understand what we do and why we do it. People had a greater appreciation of food producers over the lockdown period and we need to build on this by opening our farms and telling our stories.

I would really encourage any farmer to participate in the nationwide Open Farm initiative on February 17. Feedback from those who participated by opening their gates to the public last year was overwhelmingly positive and both hosts and visitors got a lot out of the experience.

Another priority for B+LNZ is dismantling trade barriers and expanding the successful Taste Pure Nature origin brand to support our exports.

It will be a big year for us as an organisation, because levy payers also get to vote on the future of B+LNZ.

The referendum is held every six years and is a great opportunity for farmers to let us know whether the organisation is meeting their needs.

While Mother Nature was a bit too enthusiastic for many holidaymakers, the rain was a welcome relief and sets up for a stable farming season.