Early Bird I Monday July 8th 2024

Government boosts funding for East Coast flood clean up, new tertiary study pilot shines light on wool, and Dairy NZ has a new director. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather! Government boosts funding for East Coast flood clean up The Government has allocated an additional $3 million in funding to support Wairoa's recovery efforts following recent severe flooding. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced this funding will enable the Wairoa District Council to proceed with cleaning up household waste and sediment left by the flooding event. This new allocation comes from a $10 million budget previously set aside for the Hawke's Bay Region to complete sediment and debris removal from Cyclone Gabrielle. The Government has asked the region to reprioritize part of this funding to address Wairoa's immediate needs. The funding will facilitate the clean-up of over 400 properties impacted by the recent weather event, covering the collection, removal, and disposal of sediment, debris, and household waste. Minister Mitchell praised this as an example of regional cooperation, with the whole Hawke's Bay area working together to support Wairoa. This $3 million is in addition to a recent $600,000 contribution to the Wairoa Mayoral Fund, bringing the total government assistance for Wairoa's recovery to $3.6 million. The Minister emphasised that the government's priority is to help communities return to normalcy as quickly as possible. Mitchell reiterated the government's commitment to supporting the people of Wairoa and all affected regions during these challenging times, underlining their dedication to the recovery and rebuilding process. This funding aims to accelerate the clean-up efforts and aid the community in its return to normal functioning following the severe weather event. Plummeting prices cause concern among East Coast maize grain growers Meanwhile East Coast maize grain growers are grappling with industry viability as contract prices plummet well below production costs, creating widespread concern among farmers. Allan Newton, Federated Farmers Wairoa arable chair, reports average prices around $350 a tonne delivered to Waikato, significantly under the estimated $400-$430 per hectare growing cost. The market downturn followed a large eastern European grain shipment that flooded the market, creating a "fire sale" and leaving local growers in a precarious position. Newton revealed that when growers met with companies to discuss demand for east coast-grown maize grain, they received no clear answers. Contracts for the 2023-2024 season have been scarce, leaving many farmers with unsold crops. The situation is exacerbated by an unusually late harvest, with 50-70% of Gisborne and Wairoa growers still harvesting due to wet conditions last spring that delayed planting, in some cases until after Christmas. Ewan Powdrell, a Wairoa farmer and contractor, highlighted the widespread impact across the North Island. He revealed that offered payments are $100-150 below production costs. Contributing factors include increased grass growth in Waikato reducing demand for feed, and unexpected grain imports of 50,000 tonnes in November that caught growers off guard. Current prices, hovering around $350 per tonne, fall well short of the $500 needed for viability.  This crisis comes after three years of challenging growing conditions, including Cyclone Gabrielle and recent flooding. Growers estimate losses of 1-1.5 tonnes per hectare from flood damage. Many are questioning the wisdom of continuing to grow maize under these conditions, citing high input costs and insufficient returns. Farmers have also expressed frustration over lack of support from government entities such as the Ministry for Primary Industries, as they struggle to maintain their operations in adverse conditions. New tertiary study pilot shines light on wool Campaign for Wool New Zealand (CFWNZ) is launching comprehensive wool education initiatives across all age groups, from early childhood to tertiary level. The organisation aims to foster innovation and growth in the wool industry by deepening understanding of wool's properties among future generations. A new tertiary study pilot programme, Wool Dynamics, is being introduced across six major architecture and product design schools. Developed by CFWNZ and authored by Auckland University Technology experts, the programme will support students in bringing innovative ideas to the wool industry through various vocational-specific programmes. CFWNZ general manager Kara Biggs emphasises the programme's significance in answering wool growers' needs and aligning with students' interest in sustainable systems. The online education portal will provide students and academics with access to presentations, lecture materials, research, and case studies. Concurrently, CFWNZ is expanding its Wool in Schools programme for primary-aged children and introducing new initiatives for early childhood and secondary education. The organisation is adapting its approach to reach remote or smaller schools through classroom kits and digital resources. For secondary students, CFWNZ is developing wool-focused projects across design, art, technology, and science subjects. Even early childhood education will see the introduction of simple, play-based activities to familiarise young children with wool. Professor Frances Joseph, co-developer of Wool Dynamics, envisions wool playing a role in revitalising local manufacturing and replacing imported building products. CFWNZ plans to monitor and evaluate its tertiary pilot programme throughout 2024, with aims for a full national rollout in 2025. This comprehensive approach aligns with CFWNZ's three-year strategy to advance education, promotion, and advocacy for wool, supporting the industry's growth and sustainability efforts. Research shows we need more plant breeders Rural researchers warn of a growing challenge in agricultural production. A lack of qualified plant breeding experts may lead to global food insecurity, according to a new international study. The research, conducted jointly by Australia's CSIRO, Lincoln University in New Zealand, and McGill University in Canada, reveals a worrying trend in the plant breeding industry. This multidisciplinary field underpins worldwide production of food, animal feed, fuel, and fibre. Detailed surveys across three OECD nations examined the current state of plant breeding in education, government, and industry. Results indicate an increasing shortage of trained plant breeders, particularly in the private sector. This deficit could impact food security and economic stability. Lead author Dr Lucy Egan from CSIRO explains that the shortage has been developing over time. A generation of highly skilled plant breeding experts is nearing retirement, while university graduates are choosing other areas of plant science. Dr Rainer Hofmann from Lincoln University notes similar concerns here in New Zealand. He emphasises the need for strategies to address this skills gap, given the vital role of agricultural production in the country. The research team highlights several potential responses to the shortage. They recommend a coordinated approach between public and private sectors, along with dedicated training facilities in various countries. Dr Valerio Hoyos-Villegas from McGill University advocates for national funds to support graduate fellowships and increased industry involvement in plant breeding education. He underlines the importance of adapting courses to emerging scientific and technological advancements. The report also calls for industry-relevant training and improved promotion of the plant breeding sector. Researchers stress the urgency of addressing this issue to maintain current levels of agrifood, fibre, and feed production. Given the long-term nature of plant breeding and its wide-ranging impact on agricultural industries, the study urges prioritising funding and research in this field. Modernising plant breeding education should be a key focus to ensure a sustainable future for global agriculture. Dairy NZ has a new director DairyNZ has appointed David Hunt, former Contact Energy chief executive, as a new independent director. Board chair Jim van der Poel has welcomed Hunt's strong background in strategy development and execution as key assets for implementing DairyNZ's new strategic direction. Hunt brings extensive governance experience, having served as deputy chair of ACC and director of Christchurch City Holdings. Van der Poel says Hunt has a proven track record in disciplined delivery across various sectors and his leadership skills were crucial factors in his selection. The appointment comes at a significant time for DairyNZ, with the organisation focusing on maximising the value of farmer levies. Hunt's financial acumen in investment strategy, audit, and risk management is expected to contribute substantially to this goal. Additionally, Hunt has been appointed to the government's Fast Track Advisory Group. His background includes managerial and analyst positions at the NZ Treasury, complemented by degrees in economics and statistics from Massey University. Hunt's three-year term appointment will be subject to ratification by levy payers during the upcoming annual elections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.