Farmers to get guidance on milk levy vote

DairyNZ will discuss new research and regional projects at a series of Local Levy Forums in the Waikato next month.

The Local Levy Forum will take place at the Matamata Club on April 9 starting at 2pm.

The events on April 8, 9 and 10 are aimed at helping farmers make an informed decision when it comes to voting in May on whether they support the continuation of a levy on milk solids.

The industry organisation also wants farmers to give feedback on what they see as future priorities and on DairyNZ’s work in the region, which includes helping farmers prepare for future regional policy changes.

DairyNZ South Waikato regional leader Wade Bell encourages farmers to attend the forums and ask any questions they have about the levy and how it is invested.

‘‘This opportunity to vote only comes around once every six years and we want to provide as much information as possible to dairy farmers who will be asked to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in May.’’

The forums will include an overview of the work DairyNZ is doing in Waikato and plans for the future. The work is varied.

Waikato farmers have access to nine consulting officers who provide farmers with evidence and ‘‘how-to’’ knowledge, which is extended through focus farms, discussion groups and other events.

DairyNZ regional leader for North Waikato, Duncan Smeaton, said one of the highlights for his team over the past few years was the development of a focus farm on the Hauraki Plains.

‘‘The focus farm is part of a wider project which involves DairyNZ working with Hauraki Plains’ farmers, (under the leadership of the P3 Trust, formed by a group of local dairy farmers) to help improve productivity and profitability in the area,’’ said Duncan.

‘‘The farm provides local farmers with valuable information through regular emails and events.’’

The focus farm is just one example of regionally tailored work.

‘‘Waikato’s varying soil types and farming conditions – which this summer has seen severe dry conditions – is why research in the region, the development of tailored resources and forums for discussion, are so vital.’’

A lot of research is carried out by DairyNZ scientists at two research farms near Hamilton.

One of those projects, Pastoral 21, will provide farmers with options for the future, while another will help farmers optimise body condition score and cow health.

Meanwhile, DairyNZ scientists and policy analysts are helping to inform land use and water quality policy development.

Once decisions have been made, DairyNZ