Federated Farmers: Fire restrictions burn up $100,000

Hew Dalrymple has stepped down after 10 years on the executive.

The recent Federated Farmers Arable Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) was one of the best attended in recent years as members had the opportunity to have a say on issues affecting the arable sector and socialise with fellow farmers passionate about the industry.

Rural Fire, biosecurity, Environment Canterbury's Plan Change 5 and a review of the Plant Variety Rights Act have been hot topics among members in 2017 and these issues were debated at length at the conference.

For many, the new rules in place for crop residue burning and uncertainty surrounding permitting under Fire Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) have been a particular bone of contention.

The well-intended fire restrictions earlier in 2017 could not have occurred at a worse time for arable farmers who needed to clear crop residue and prepare paddocks for the next crop.

Without the ability to burn, some farmers estimate they may have lost up to $100,000 - a difficult pill to swallow given the plethora of compliance costs and variable arable commodity prices throughout the year.

At the conclusion of the conference, the industry group held its AGM and I was elected chairman of the group for another year. Colin Hurst (vice-chairman seeds) and Brian Leadley (vice-chairman grains) were both re-elected.

Hew Dalrymple (vice-chairman maize/forage) stepped down after 10 years on the executive and has been replaced as the vice-chairman maize/forage by North Canterbury farmer Reuben Carter.

Manuwatu farmer David Lee-Jones was co-opted onto the executive as a North Island representative.

Two big issues for the remainder of the year will be forthcoming review of the Plant Variety Rights Act and understanding the new permitting arrangements under FENZ and what it means for crop residue burning. I encourage you to get involved at a provincial level and attend any scheduled arable meetings over the next couple of months.