Our trustee, and Te Miro farmer, Stu Kneebone was recently interviewed in the Waikato Times about the devastation feral browsers (deers and goats) cause in our forests and neighbouring farm lands.
Hoofed animals - including goats and deer - occur at 82% of sites on Doc-managed public conservation land, an increase from 63% in 2013.
A Federation Farmers survey of its members showed feral animals are costing New Zealand farmers at least $213 million annually, including both pest control and lost production.
“I'm quite depressed about it, to be honest," Stu says.
Image Credit: Dylan Hogg, left, and Mitch search for fallow deer as dusk falls. CHRISTEL YARDLEY / WAIKATO TIMES
