RMA reform targets court ruling threatening farming practices, DairyNZ board election voting closes this week, and Kiwi shearing elite ready for golden anniversary clash.

Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather!

RMA reform targets court ruling threatening farming practices

The government’s review of key sections of the Resource Management Act, will look into farmers concerns about a recent court ruling that could force all farmers to obtain consents to continue their operations.

Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has confirmed that Sections 70 and 107 of the RMA are under scrutiny. These sections, following a recent court decision, threaten to make the law unworkable by limiting councils' ability to manage discharges from various activities, including farming.

The review comes after a Court of Appeal ruling in favour of Fish & Game Southland and Forest & Bird, which challenged Environment Southland's approach to managing incidental diffuse discharges from farming activities, such as animal urine. Environment Southland had sought to allow these discharges as a permitted activity, provided farming practices were managed under other rules in their water and land plan.

Minister Simmonds says the government is commitment to addressing this issue through RMA reform work to ensure farmers and Environment Southland are not left in an unworkable situation. 

In response to the court decision, Federated Farmers had called on farmers to boycott Fish & Game Southland and deny fishermen access over their land, a move that has garnered support locally and nationwide.

New reference group to tackle forestry ETS registry concerns

Forestry Minister Todd McClay has announced a series of measures aimed at addressing long-standing concerns within the forestry sector regarding the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry.

In a move to restore confidence and certainty, the government is establishing a Forestry Sector Reference Group. This group will work towards improving outcomes from the Forestry ETS Registry, with a focus on reducing costs and increasing transparency.

The announcement follows an independent review of the operational costs of the forestry ETS Register, which was initiated earlier this year. Minister McClay acknowledged the sector's concerns about the excessive costs imposed by the previous government, which included a $30.25 per hectare annual levy for participation in the Registry.

In response to these concerns, the government has already taken action by cancelling the 2023/24 annual charge that forest owners were required to pay to participate in the ETS Registry. This decision provides immediate relief to forest owners while longer-term solutions are developed.

The independent report, released today, outlines where the current system fell short of both the government's and the sector's expectations. Minister McClay emphasized that the over 4,000 forestry participants deserve to have confidence in the system designed to manage their ETS obligations.

As the Reference Group begins its work, stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming consultations and opportunities to provide input on the future of the Forestry ETS Registry.

DairyNZ board election voting closes this week

The chance to shape the future of DairyNZ is rapidly coming to a close, with the voting period for DairyNZ's board of directors' election ending at midday this Thursday.

While voting rates are tracking similarly to recent years, DairyNZ is making a final push to ensure all eligible farmers exercise their right to vote. Their message is clear: don't miss this crucial opportunity to influence the leadership of your industry body.

This election sees two board positions up for grabs. The contenders are Jacqueline Rowarth from Tirau, Richard McIntyre of Levin, and Kylie Leonard based in Taupo. 

Farmers are also being asked to vote on four important resolutions. These include the appointment of independent director David Hunt and changes to DairyNZ's rules to reflect new regulations and recent farmer feedback. 

Candidate profiles, videos, and a recording of DairyNZ's 'Meet the Candidates' webinar are available on the DairyNZ website, dairynz.co.nz/elections.

Beef + Lamb NZ tackles teen iron deficiency

It’s World Iron Awareness Week, and this year's theme, 'Iron to Move,' targets active teenage girls, highlighting the vital role of iron in their diets. Beef + Lamb New Zealand has teamed up with Girls Skate NZ to promote this important health message.

Girls Skate NZ, an organisation dedicated to empowering young women through skateboarding.

The collaboration between Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Girls Skate NZ comes as data reveals that more than one in three teenage girls in New Zealand don't consume enough iron. This alliance aims to encourage young women to lead active, healthy lives while understanding their nutritional needs.

Julia Sekula, Head of Nutrition at Beef + Lamb New Zealand, says iron plays a crucial role in keeping muscles oxygenated, and inadequate iron intake could lead to tiredness, weakness, and breathlessness, affecting both athletic achievement and everyday activities.

Anyone experiencing fatigue or feeling unwell should consult a GP for a blood test. Early detection of low iron levels can help individuals adjust their diets and regain energy.

Kiwi shearing elite ready for golden anniversary clash

The lineup for New Zealand's shearing team at the upcoming 50th anniversary trans-Tasman series has been finalised..

Chris Vickers of Shag Point and Pagan Rimene of Alexandra have claimed the final two team positions, following their victories at the New Zealand Merino Shears in Alexandra. Vickers took top honours in the Open shearing final, while Rimene triumphed in the Open woolhandling event.

The three-man shearing team brings together a formidable trio. Vickers joins Leon Samuels, the reigning Golden Shears champion from Roxburgh, and Jack Fagan, who placed third in the PGG Wrightson Vetmed National Shearing Circuit.

In the woolhandling division, Rimene will team up with Ngaio Hanson from Eketāhuna, who was runner-up in the North Island Woolhandling Circuit.

The blades shearing category will be represented by talented South Canterbury duo Tony Dobbs from Fairlie and Tim Hogg of Timaru.

Guiding this skilled team will be Russell Knight from Āpiti as shearing judge and manager, with Rose Puha of Kimbolton overseeing woolhandling judging.

The competition unfolds at the Australian National Shearing and Woolhandling Championships in Katanning, West Australia, from October 25th to 27th. 

The event marks half a century since the inaugural test in Euroa, Victoria, back in 1974.