New members for Beef + Lamb NZ council group

Enjoying a break in Wanaka are (from left) Rob McQueen, of Teviot, Beef + Lamb New Zealand's Central South Island council chairman Robert Peacock, of Geraldine, and Peter Macdougall, also of Teviot. Photo: Robert Peacock

Rob McQueen, of Teviot, and Jared Ross, of Kurow, were co-opted on to Beef + Lamb New Zealand's Central South Island Farmers Council at its annual meeting in Wanaka last week.

Mr McQueen replaces Peter Macdougall, also of Teviot, who is retiring from the council.

Mr Ross is the council's new dairy representative.

BLNZ Central South Island farmer director Bill Wright said the meeting attracted about 30 people.

''It is great to get the new members on board,'' he said.

''There is a lot of work being done on behalf of farmers by the council board and members to make sure farmers understand the issues.''

Central South Island council chairman Robert Peacock said Mr Macdougall was the longest-serving member of the council, in its various

incarnations over the years.

He said the new members were both ''good guys'

BLNZ staff members environment project manager Alice Bradley and environment policy manager Victoria Lamb gave presentations on carbon and greenhouse gases and how farmers would be affected by the Government's new plans.

''They also talked about ways to mitigate greenhouse gases on farms, such as different forages and different animal species.''

He said council members also looked at new workshops featuring farm environment plans.

The meeting was followed by a meal at the Otago Polytechnic restaurant, which was prepared by cookery students.