Bay of Plenty Rural Connect Newsletter - May 2025

Turning of the Tide

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A paddock to point break trivia night with a twist of the land and the sea in conjunction with Surfing for Farmers and Rural Support

Mata Brewery, Gateway Drive, Whakatane

Wednesday 14^th May, 11^th June & 9^thJuly – 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Register a team of 6 or as an individual

Pizza and prizes provided!

Sponsored by FMG, 60/40 Milking and FarmIT,

e-mail Jodie.craig@ruralsupport.org.nz or text 021948 119 to register.

Staying Safe in Rural Neighbourhoods

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Safety in rural areas relies on community support, security measures, and effective emergency response strategies.

Police Response

• In emergencies, call 111. For non-urgent issues, call 105, available 24/7.
• Police may take longer to reach rural areas, so neighbor support is key.

Rural Security Checklist

• Exchange contact info with neighbors and consider forming a Neighbourhood Support Group.
• Ensure fences, gates, doors, and windows are secure; trim trees for better visibility.
• Install alarms, lighting, and secure tools, machinery, and chemicals.

Animals & RAPID System

• Secure stockyard gates and keep detailed livestock records.
• Display your RAPID number clearly on your gate to help emergency services locate you quickly.

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Calf Rearing Expo

Rotorua Thursday 15^th May

Are you ready to raise happy, healthy calves?

Join SealesWinslow and AgriVantage for the Calf Rearing Expo, an interactive event packed with expert insights and practical advice. This is your opportunity to learn best practices, gain valuable knowledge, and hear from veterinarians and experienced farmers on calf health, growth, and profitability.

What will be covered?

• Profitability and Lifetime Production
• Care of Newborn Calves
• Shed Hygiene
• Physiology, Growth & Rumen Development
• Choosing the Right Rearing Products

Event Details:

• 9:30 AM: Arrival and Morning Tea
• 10:00 AM: Expo Start
• 2:30 PM: Expo Finish

Cost: $20.00

Don’t miss this chance to connect and take home practical strategies to boost your farm’s success!

Register Now!

www.dwn.co.nz/events/calf-rearing-expo-bay-of-plenty/

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Succession Planning Workshops

Thursday 22^nd May – Paengaroa

Join our interactive workshops designed to help your family have meaningful conversations while navigating the process of farm succession.

Whether you're experienced or new to farming, planning for the future isessential — start now!

What is Succession Planning?

It’s about smoothly passing on assets, knowledge, and skills to the nextgeneration. Understand each generation’s priorities and set clear goals for thefuture.

• Location: Paengaroa Community Hall, 4 Old Coach Road
• Date: 22 May, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Space: Limited to 8 farming businesses

Register here: beeflambnz.com/events/blnz-succession-workshops-rural-coach

Your input is needed!

The Survey of Rural Decision Makers is New Zealand’s largest survey of the primary sector, reaching thousands of farmers, foresters, and growers. This is your chance to share your insights on the future of primary industries on the following topics:

• Land use and farming practices
• Extreme and seasonal weather
• New technologies
• Environmental regulations
• Rural wellbeing

Support the Rural Support Trust!

For every commercial farmer, forester, or grower who signs up, ManaakiWhenua will donate $3 to the Rural Support Trust, and $12 for each completedsurvey.

Complete the survey and enter to win one of ten $500 supermarket vouchers!

www.landcareresearch.co.nz/RuralSupportTrust

by 30 May to participate.

Note: Only one survey per business. Responses are confidential

Apiarists Advocate

A recent article in the Apiarist's Advocate provided a good summary of a recent meeting of apiculture industry leaders who had got together to discuss industry representation. Those present shared their thoughts on what they see as the biggest issues facing beekeepers. Financial viability of beekeepers was raised by a number of those present, concerned about how those in the industry could remain sustainable. Poor honey pricing and the amount of work involved in beekeeping meant many were struggling to stay afloat and engaged in the industry. Biosecurity concerns and the feeling the industry is undervalued by those reliant on it for formal and informal pollination also came up as additional stressors impacting on the industry.

The Apiarist's Advocate is free to subscribe.

https://www.apiaristsadvocate.com/subscribe

https://www.facebook.com/apiadvocate