Rural update 1 July 2021
It was an exciting week for the team last week as they undertook chainsaw training – a 2 day course to upskill and get certified to safely and effectively use chainsaws to help with weed control, including the removal of small wilding pines.
We’re still busy helping farmers check rabbit proof fences and add netting to existing fences. If you’re looking at adding rabbit netting to any fences for rabbit control, talk to us about accessing discounted rates through WAI Wanaka.
Predator Control
Earlier this month, WAI Wānaka met with local community groups, contractors and agencies, such as DOC, working in pest control in the Upper Clutha to understand areas of operation and how we can work together for better outcomes across the Upper Clutha.
We’re interested in speaking with action groups and/or individual landowners about their predator control goals and how WAI Wānaka can assist. If you’re interested in discussing pest control, please get in touch. Winter is a great time of year for possum control, and for planning ferret and stoat control.
Did you know: People used to think that possums only ate plants. But in 1993 possums were filmed eating the eggs and chicks of endangered kōkako. They have since been filmed eating the eggs, chicks and even adults of many other native birds including kererū, kiwi, harrier hawk, fantail, muttonbird, and tūī. They also eat the nectar and berries that native birds like to eat so that there is less food for the birds. Possums carry a disease called bovine Tb (tuberculosis) which they spread to cattle. They also eat pasture so there is less food for farm animals. The damage done by possums costs NZ farmers about $35 million every year. The New Zealand Government spends over $110 million* per year on possum control. (Info and image courtesy of Predator Free NZ)
Beef + Lamb NZ GHG Calculator Released
B+LNZ have just released their GHG calculator. This is a free tool that helps landowners understand emissions from their property.
Through He Waka Eke Noa, the primary sector has signed up the following targets:
- By the end of 2021 a quarter of farms ‘know their numbers’ of greenhouse gas emissions and have a written plan to manage emissions (usually in their Farm Environment Plans).
- By the end of 2022 every farm knows their farm’s greenhouse gas numbers.
- In 2025:
- All farms have a written plan to measure and manage their greenhouse gas emissions (usually in their Farm Environment Plans).
- A nationwide farm-level pricing system has been designed and tested with farmers and growers, and is up and running.
All farms over 80ha are included under these targets.
Check out our FAQ’s for more information.
Holiday fun!
School holidays are just around the corner….again.
We realise it’s not summer anymore, but this collection of water related activities we put together is still a great way to entertain kids in the winter while we wait for the snow. Happy holidays!