Milksolids levy vote back again
DairyNZ forums aim is information and input
DairyNZ will discuss new research and regional projects at a series of Local Levy Forums in the Waikato next month.
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 milksolids.
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 What: in May 2014, farmers will vote on whether or not they continue to pay a levy on milksolids, used to fund DairyNZ. When: May 1-31 Why: the vote happens every six years and is required by government legislation, as the levy is collected under terms set out in the Commodity Levies Act 1990. How: farmers will be able to vote via the internet, post, fax and at selected events such as the DairyNZ Farmers Forum on May 7-8. and how-to knowledge, which is extended through focus farms, discussion groups and other events.
DairyNZ regional leader for North Waikato Duncan Smeaton says one of the highlights for his team over the last 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,’’ Duncan says.
‘‘The farm provides local farmers with valuable information through regular emails and events.’’
The focus farm is 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 is also helping to pass that information to farmers and provide support if necessary.
This past year, for example, DairyNZ has helped Waikato farmers adhere to a set of rules (Variation 6) governing the way that ground and surface water is taken and used.
‘‘DairyNZ wants the best policy outcome for farmers that will also benefit the community. There is a lot happening in this space, especially in the Waikato, and farmers can find out more about this at the levy forums,’’ says Duncan.
For more information on the levy vote visit dairynz.co.nz/vote.