Uncertainty over impact of Brexit vote
Like many people, I was very surprised at Britain’s decision to leave the EU.
At this stage there is uncertainty as to how this will impact on our sheep and beef exports, but I do know that B+LNZ will be working hard to protect the interests of its levy payers in any trade negotiations.
We can’t change the ‘Brexit’ decision, but we can choose how we react to it, and look for positive outcomes.
Fieldays trip respite for North Canterbury farmers
Back home, the unseasonably warm weather does mean good crop utilisation and reduced feed demand - but the lack of moisture is worrying.
Earlier this month over 100 North Canterbury farmers took the opportunity to take a subsidised trip to National Fieldays. The trip was an initiative of Omihi farmer Nick Hamilton and it was impressive that so many local businesses were willing to provide financial support to allow our farmers to take a much-needed break away from the farm.
From all accounts it was a huge success. For many, it was their first time at Fieldays and while it is a great event in itself, the real value was in getting people away from the farm to spend time with their friends and colleagues.
Healthy Thinking workshop in North Canterbury
The trip highlighted the importance of looking after our mental and physical health, particularly during times of stress.
Well-known GP and rural health advocate Dr Tom Mulholland will be addressing this issue when he visits the region next month.
He will be running a short ‘Healthy Thinking’ workshop at the Greta Valley Tavern on the evening of 7 July, where he will discuss how making small changes to the way we live can improve the way we farm and look after our family and staff. The inspirational Dr Mulholland is part of the rural wellbeing initiative 'Farmstrong’, which promotes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in order to farm well.
Young Farmer of the Year final
One person who will be putting himself under enormous pressure next month is Culverden sheep and beef farmer and chair of the Northern South Island B+LNZ Farmer Council, James Hoban.
James is representing the Tasman region in this year’s Young Farmer of the Year competition, which is being held in Timaru on June 7, 8 and 9. We wish him all the very best. I know he will be a great ambassador for the region and the wider farming industry.
Get away for a few hours
June and July can often feel like a bit of a slog on the farm. Feeding out and shifting breaks day-in and day-out can become very monotonous - but B+LNZ is running a number of events in the region over the next few weeks. They are a good opportunity to get away for a few hours, to be inspired and learn something new.
Keep an eye on the e-Diary or check the B+LNZ events calendar for more information.
Phil Smith is Beef + Lamb New Zealand's Northern South Island farmer director.
