Hawke’s Bay farmers tackle drought challenges head-on, Kiwi agri-tech transforming orchard operations and young talent shines as shearing competitions revive in Northland.

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Hawke’s Bay farmers tackle drought challenges head-on

A rural community group in Hawke's Bay is taking decisive action to support farmers facing mounting challenges from extreme dry conditions. The Kaweka Community Catchment Collective, spanning over 64,000 hectares across Dartmoor, Rissington, Patoka, and Puketitiri, is hosting a forum tomorrow morning to help prepare for and manage drought conditions.

Coordinator Alice Beamish says the region has experienced 4-5 months of below-average rainfall, with temperatures reaching as high as 37.5 degrees celsius in some areas.

Tomorrow mornings forum at the Puketapu Pub will feature a series of presentations from key support services, including bankers, accountants, livestock agents, veterinarians, and the Rural Support Trust. 

The collective, which was established six months after Cyclone Gabrielle's devastation, receives support from the Ministry of Primary Industries' Community Extension Services. This funding aims to build resilience in local communities, with the drought preparedness forum representing a critical next step in their ongoing support.

Urgent fire prevention measures implemented across Wairarapa Districts

As dry conditions continue across the country, Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a restricted fire season across the entire Wairarapa region, effective immediately.

Wellington District Community Risk Manager Phil Soal warned that rapidly drying conditions are creating heightened fire risks, and says that under these conditions, any escaping fires would move quickly and prove extremely challenging to control.

The restriction covers multiple fire zones, including Inland Central, Inland Northern, South Wairarapa, and Western Ranges, joining coastal zones already under restrictions

Residents must now obtain a fire permit from Fire and Emergency to light any open-air fires, with applications available through www.checkitsalright.nz.

Meanwhile firefighters have contained a 135 hectare fire at West Melton in Canterbury, supported by four helicopters. 

An earlier blaze that almost reached 1000 hectares was brought under control by firefighters over the weekend.

Canterbury is experiencing very high fire risks and is expected to move to a restricted fire season this week. 

Residents are urged to avoid all outdoor fires, including land management burns, due to challenging wind conditions, high temperatures, and low humidity.

Depopulation nears completion at Otago egg farm 

Biosecurity New Zealand continues its precise management of a high pathogenic avian influenza outbreak, with comprehensive depopulation efforts at the Hillgrove farm in Otago expected to finish yesterday, according to deputy director-general of Biosecurity New Zealand, Stuart Anderson

The farm remains under strict biosecurity lockdown, with all four layer sheds housing 160,000 chickens set for complete depopulation. Anderson explained that weekend test results confirmed the spread of the H7N6 virus to the final layer shed, a development that was anticipated by the response team.

Anderson says that there remains no risk to national egg and chicken supplies, given the size of New Zealand's overall flock.

Kiwi agri-tech transforming orchard operations

New Zealand agritech continues to make waves around the world with a groundbreaking autonomous vehicle designed to revolutionize orchard and vineyard operations. Robotics Plus, is showcasing their Prospr vehicle at the Northwest Horticulture Expo in Washington State, in the United States this week.

The Prospr vehicle, developed by a team of kiwi engineers, offers a hybrid solution that dramatically reduces fuel consumption while increasing operational efficiency.

At the heart of the innovation is an advanced artificial intelligence system that allows the vehicle to navigate complex agricultural environments with remarkable precision. Using LiDAR and camera technologies, it can create detailed three-dimensional maps of orchard environments, avoiding obstacles and maintaining operational speeds. Spray applications are now more targeted, with dynamic rates that maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

The vehicle's intelligent system allows remote management, enabling operators to coordinate multiple machines from a single location and track job progress in real-time.

The technology is already in use on orchards in Washington State.

Young talent shines as shearing competitions revive in Northland

Northland's shearing community is experiencing a revival, with the weekend's Whangārei A&P Show seeing a significant surge in competitor numbers this season. The event attracted 36 entries from 31 shearers, a dramatic increase from just 11 competitors last year.

Sixteen-year-old Tye Meikle emerged as a standout performer, claiming victory in the combined novice, junior, and intermediate handicap event. The North Otago junior shearer, currently working with a Waikato contractor, secured a $500 first prize and continues to build an impressive collection of competition wins.

New Zealand representative Jack Fagan made a 700-kilometre round trip to win both the open final and the open speed shear, demonstrating the dedication of top shearers in the competitive circuit.

The Whangārei event marks the first of several upcoming shearing competitions in the region. Upcoming shows include the Kaikohe A, P & H Show on January 18, the North Kaipara show at Paparoa on February 1, and the Northern Wairoa Show on February 8. The competition trail continues with events in North Hokianga, Kumeu, and Warkworth through March.