Hopes for an effective cull

Will there be an effective moult cull of Canada geese this summer?

The group established by Federated Farmers High Country to co-ordinate control in the South Island is hoping there will be, but much depends on some tangible support coming from Government before the end of the year.

Representatives of this group met with Biosecurity Minister David Carter and Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson in September.

Proposals to form a self-supporting structure that would keep South Island Canada geese levels to a manageable long-term level were outlined to the ministers.

It was emphasised that success depended greatly on a successful moult cull this coming season.

The minister has responded favourably to holding a moult cull which will take place this summer.

In the meantime, the Federated Farmers High Country group also continues its active involvement with the Rabbit Co-ordination Group in seeking new and improved methods to manage rabbits.

An application to the Sustainable Farming Fund has been made in the name of Federated Farmers High Country for a Landcare Research-led project on refining operational practices for controlling rabbits on agricultural lands.

We also intend to make rabbit management a major theme at the 2012 High Country Field Day, which we will be holding in Marlborough in March.

* Those wanting to do a bit of advanced planning should note there is a slight change to the timing of High Country Conference next year. It will be held immediately before Queen's Birthday weekend, on Thursday and Friday, May 31 and June 1, at the Edgewater Hotel in Wanaka.