I am Donna Cram, a dairy farmer, Dairy Environment Leader (DEL), member of the DEL national advisory, (a DairyNZ lead initiative) and a Taranaki Federated Farmers Dairy committee member. My why is to connect people across agricultural communities using values-based communication to empower positive and meaningful change. Alongside my husband, Philip, we see ourselves as guardians of our Dairy Farm, Wylam Dene. We also understand that we are interdependent with our community and the agricultural sector.
Taranaki Catchment Communities was a vision born from listening to challenges within our own region through Dairy Environment Leaders. It was also a response to new incoming regulations relating to fresh water and greenhouse gases. Many consider these regulations a threat, however, I believe that we can farm in harmony with the environment.
Taranaki is a region with true natural advantage through our climate and soils. It is also a region full of passionate, dedicated farmers and growers who are committed to improve. This has already been exemplified through the time and money that has been invested into transforming and protecting our waterways as part of the largest restorative freshwater programme in the world. But this is just the beginning. Our farmers and growers need the knowledge and continued support to understand our impact on the environment and to ensure the sustainability of our farming sector and communities for generations to come.
We have a great story to tell and believe that with the right support and knowledge we can enhance the amazing work already happening in rural communities throughout Taranaki.
Donna Cram
Chairperson, Taranaki Catchment Communities
