WelcomeAs we move through spring, the busiest time of year for most, we wanted to update you on the latest environmental regulations and the work Ravensdown is doing to advocate on your behalf. In September, the government released the discussion document for Essential Freshwater: Action for Healthy Waterways. This document relates to new national policy statements and standards in both rural and urban areas. Of interest to Tukituki residents will be the potential changes to existing obligations around farm plans, stock exclusions and feedlots. There may also be regulations imposed around winter grazing of forage crops and when changing to a more intensive land use. Ravensdown have been reviewing the discussion documents and writing a submission advocating on behalf of our shareholders. The final form of the new requirements is not yet known but the signaled date for implementation is June 2020. We will keep you up to date. Resource ConsentsMeanwhile in the Tukituki, Hawkes Bay Regional Council (HBRC) have held public meetings and sent out letters to those who may need a Resource Consent by 31 May 2020. HBRC will require you to apply for a Resource Consent by 31 May 2020 if the following applies:
We are currently working with farmers from all sectors to understand whether they need a consent, or to develop their resource consent application, and are here to help you when you are ready. Why use Ravensdown? We have recently had enquiries from shareholders who did not initially use Ravensdown for the completion of their FEMPs, but now are finding that other providers are either no longer operating or are not able to provide the level of expertise required. Ravensdown exists to enable smarter farming for a better New Zealand. Our products, expertise and technology help farmers reduce environmental impacts and optimise value from the land. This is not just about meeting your regulatory requirements but investing shareholders’ money into technology such as HawkEye for nutrient data recording, precision spreading for hill country and fertiliser products like N-Protect. The Ravensdown Environmental team are a national workforce experienced in helping farmers across New Zealand and we use this experience to help farmers in the Tukituki. This is particularly important in the consenting process where Regional Councils have strict requirements, we can ensure the correct information is provided the first time, minimising the need for reapplication and extra cost. Ravensdown also understands that the right product, in the right place, at the right time will help grow crops and pasture and limit what is lost to the environment. So, our agri managers work closely with the Environmental team in the Tukituki to take an integrated approach to nutrient use, one of your biggest costs. |
Look after yourselvesIt will be no surprise that throughout my career I have never been on a farm where the farmer is purposely out to pollute waterways. Much of what is being regulated is already underway as part of good farm management and the pride farm owners take in the appearance of their properties. However, the wave of new rules, costs and the anti-farming campaigns by the vocal minority can often feel overwhelming so we recommend getting the best advice you can as it’s often not as bad as you think.Uncertainty and misinformation around changes to regulation can also influence the morale of farmers. Farm Strong have resources designed to give farmers the skills to live well, farm well and get the most out of life. They are a great place to start if you need a few tips on managing the challenges you are facing.
If this uncertainty, or anything else, is having a serious impact on your mental health, or that of someone you know, get some help. The Rural Support Trust is one of many people willing to help. Their service is independent, strictly confidential, free and available when you need it. Call the trust on 0800 787 254 Want to find out more?Email us on environmental@ravensdown.co.nz, get a referral through your agri manager or reach our team through the Customer Centre on 0800 100 123. You are welcome to contact Courtney Stewart or myself if you have dealt with us historically. We are ready and able to help and look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely, Principal Consultant-Environmental |