All eyes on New Zealand’s sustainable farming practices, simplifying farm planning and game bird opening weekend across the country.

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!

1. All eyes on New Zealand’s sustainable farming practices

The world is watching our pioneering efforts in addressing methane emissions from pasture-raised livestock.

AgriZero NZ’s head of strategy and engagement, Ruth Leary recently attended two major international agritech conferences in San Francisco and found that the global perception of New Zealand agriculture is extremely positive, sparking significant interest in New Zealand as a potential testing ground for innovative solutions.

Livestock account for 80% of global methane emissions, prompting widespread innovation aimed at reducing these emissions. New Zealand's research into extensive grazing systems could serve as a model for similar countries worldwide.

The consensus within the international research community is that New Zealand has reason to be proud of its sustainability achievements.

Ruth Leary says we are leading the world in sustainable farming practices, and our impact is amplified by our export-oriented agriculture. However, there's always more we can do to protect our reputation and market access.

2. Simplifying farm planning

Leary believes failure to meet sustainability expectations could force us to seek less secure markets, undermining our competitive advantage.

Deer Industry New Zealand is committed to simplifying farm planning navigation for deer farmers by supporting integrated farm planning.

John Ladley, Industry Capability Manager at DINZ says the industry is structured to assist farmers, especially as markets demand higher environmental and societal standards for deer products. The aim is to help farmers navigate planning systems and services effectively to develop integrated farm plans.

Ladley says that for Integrated Farm Plans to succeed, deer farmers need to understand the benefits and how it can enhance returns without becoming an additional burden.

John Ladley believes the current farm planning landscape is cluttered and often focused on responding to regulations. IFP offers a broader range of benefits and, when executed properly, can serve as a comprehensive template for new farm business ventures.

Overall, DINZ's approach is centered on connecting farmers with the right resources and services while harnessing the industry's collegiality and existing initiatives to promote successful integrated farm planning among deer farmers.

3. Game bird opening weekend across the country

The start of game bird season brought early Christmas joy to 60,000 New Zealanders over the weekend

For game bird hunters, the first weekend of May sees friends and family gather for a day filled with fun and tradition that spans generations.

Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Corina Jordan says opening Weekend is a highlight in the rural calendar, drawing people from cities to wetlands and waterways across the country,

While hunters eagerly anticipated the weekend, many like Corina and her colleagues spent it supporting ranging teams and fellow hunters nationwide.

Initial reports from hunters on opening day have been positive, with ample birds for the table or freezer.

Weather varied across the North and South Islands, despite the conditions many hunters had good bags, with some reaching their limit.

There were compliance issues in many areas, including close lead shot use, shooting ducks on ponds and a small number not holding a license.

Bag limits and end of season dates vary across the country, the Fish and Game website has details for where you are hunting.

4. Farmer Time for Schools enters its third year

Farmer Time for Schools has successfully completed its second year, connecting over 2000 New Zealand school students and teachers with farmers nationwide.

The initiative aims to raise awareness and encourage students across New Zealand to engage with farming and rural life, fostering a deeper understanding of food production and sustainability.

Despite facing challenges such as adverse weather, Covid-19 impacts, and teacher strikes in 2023, Farmer Time for Schools saw an 8% increase in student participation compared to 2022, with nearly 1100 students taking part.

Marie Burke, the national coordinator of Farmer Time for Schools, is excited about the program's growth, highlighting the overwhelmingly positive feedback from both farmers and teachers showing the importance and value of the initiative.

The program's recent annual survey revealed that all teacher respondents found Farmer Time for Schools valuable for their classes, while all farmer respondents enjoyed connecting with students through online sessions.

As Farmer Time for Schools enters its third year, the goal is to expand its reach and inspire more students. The program is currently undergoing a trial with Te Kura formerly The Correspondence School to explore its suitability for distance learners, with initial feedback proving positive.

5. Young Kiwi cowgirl ready to rope with America's best

Amelia Knowles, a talented young cowgirl from Alexandra, is setting her sights on the United States after clinching one of the top junior rodeo titles in New Zealand.

Following her victory in the national junior breakaway competition during the 2023-24 rodeo season, 15-year-old Amelia Knowles is preparing to compete at the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) in Shawnee, Oklahoma, this July.

The breakaway event, Amelia explained, involves roping a calf with a rope attached to the rider's saddle. The challenge is to rope the calf quickly, aiming for a three-second mark, and then allowing the calf to continue running while the rope breaks away from the saddle horn.

Amelia's success in securing the junior breakaway title was a result of hard work and consistent training throughout the season with the title coming down to the final rodeo event in Waimarino, Bay of Plenty, where she made crucial catches to secure the win.

Looking ahead to her debut at the IFYR in the US, Amelia is ready to compete in both breakaway and barrel racing events.

Amelia will face an additional challenge at the IFYR by riding a borrowed horse, something she has experience with from previous North Island rodeos.

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