Environment

New freshwater rules – preliminary analysis and next steps

B+LNZ has completed a preliminary assessment of the essential freshwater rules that became law on 5 August. The following email has been sent to farmers.

Setting up a Catchment Community Group

Are you thinking of setting up a Catchment Community Group? Join part two of B+LNZ’s Catchment Community e-Forum, where catchment leaders will share their advice and expertise to help get you started.

B+LNZ’s concerns about afforestation being heard

Recent developments in the public debate about the widespread conversion of productive farmland into forestry have shown that B+LNZ’s concerns are being heard – although an acceptable solution is still not in sight.

B+LNZ’s Freshwater and ETS National Webinar highlights policy concerns

Last week’s Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Essential Freshwater and Emissions Trading Reform Bill (ETR) webinar attracted nearly 200 participants wanting to understand the proposed policies and their potential impacts on businesses and the environment.

B+LNZ’s Catchment e-Forum reinforces farmer-led change

A Beef + Lamb New Zealand e-Forum highlighted the importance of catchment groups leading environmental change on-farm rather than it being forced by changes in Government policy.

B+LNZ update on water and climate change policy work

B+LNZ is continuing to work on farmers’ behalf on a number of significant environment policy issues in order to get the best possible outcome for the sector.

Join B+LNZ’s Catchment e-Forum

Waikato Regional Council Plan Change 1 update

While sheep and beef farmers have welcomed the majority of outcomes of the Waikato Regional Council’s Plan Change 1 process, there are still some points that require work.

He Waka Eke Noa gets down to work

Following on from the Government agreement to the agricultural sector’s approach for developing an appropriate farm gate emissions pricing mechanism by 2025 - He Waka Eke Noa – the new steering group for this important piece of work got down to work during the Level 4 lockdown.

Be aware of Nitrate Poisoning post-drought

Recent rain has resulted in pasture and crop growth in drought affected parts of the country, but with the moisture comes the risk of nitrate toxicity. Ginny Dodunski from Total Vets provides advice about nitrate poisoning.

B+LNZ celebrates 2020 Earth Day

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) celebrates Earth Day in the United States by highlighting some of New Zealand’s sustainable farming initiatives on a global scale.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand update on environmental policy

Beef + Lamb New Zealand has continued advocating on government policy over the COVID-19 lockdown period. Despite the obvious limitations presented by Alert Level 4 and 3, we have continued our engagement and discussions with officials and Ministers on a range of areas with a particular focus on the environment.