#BREAKING BITES

QUAIL: NO FAIL!

A little bird tells us that, while this year’s winner of the NZ Game Bird Habitat stamp competition wishes to remain anonymous, prizes will be flying her way soon. The Wairarapa farmer captured this superb image of a Californian quail (right) in full strut.

Designed to aid in conservation e orts, the annual stamp competition sees hunters paying an additional (although optional) five dollars for a game bird licence featuring the latest winning image.

The next competition launch will coincide with the beginning of the game bird season in early May. For more details regarding the contest, or game bird licences, see www.fishandgame.org.nz.

RESET TO FAVOUR FARMERS?

The appointment of a new PM could be just what the doctor ordered for farmers. Federated Farmers’ Andrew Hoggard suggests Chris Hipkins should ‘slow down and prioritise’ with regards to government initiatives impacting the primary sector.

“Farmers have, many times in the last three years, expressed concern about rushed, poorly-consulted-on legislation that has proved to be flawed and impractical,” he says.

From proposed changes to the Resource Management Act, e orts to curb carbon emissions and the

Three Waters legislation, to the ‘ute tax’, compulsory income insurance and migrant worker restrictions, Mr Hoggard contends farmers have been under the pump. However, Mr Hipkins has voiced intentions to hit ‘reset’ to focus on core public services.

“The primary industries did the heavy lifting to get our economy through the pandemic and will continue to do so,” Mr Hoggard adds. “Let our farmers get on with doing what they do best – growing quality, low environmental footprint food and fibre.”

WINTER IS COMING!

Ironically, Fieldays 2022 was a raina ected a air despite being held in early summer! This year, the rural expo will return to its mid-June timeframe. See www.fieldays.co.nz for details.

Even in the engine room of an All Black forward pack the top two inches count. So, when choosing a new ambassador, an agriscience giant courted some very tall timber.

“I believe in Corteva [Agriscience],” Sam Whitelock says. “It is a brand that’s earned the trust of farmers. I have used Corteva products my entire life and will continue to when I farm

fulltime after footy.”

In addition to more than 140 All Black caps, Sam holds a degree in plant science and owns an 800-hectare farm in Hawke’s Bay.

“We are so excited and honoured to have Sam as an o cial part of the Corteva team,” Glen Surgenor from Corteva adds. “This partnership has certainly put a ‘cap’ on the year!”