Make vets part of your management team
Farmers are being urged to make their veterinarians an integral part of their farm management team.
The Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, says the proposed animal welfare regulations now out for consultation are very important for the NZ primary sector.
He told Dairy News that NZ earns $23 billion from animal related exports and consumers are now much more connected to what is happening on our farms.
Guy says NZ is a world leader in food safety and is doing more than ever in environmental matters. And it is equally important that we look after our animals: this matters to our international reputation.
"Most NZ farmers look after their animals very well and they won't notice any significant changes but those few scallywags who don't will have to pull up their socks."
The new regulations follow the passing last year of an amendment to the Animal Welfare Act, designed to improve the enforceability, clarity and transparency of the animal welfare system. Proposed regulations setting out in detail what farmers need to do have been developed in consultation with the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC).
Guy says the proposed regulations will set enforceable rules based on best practice and modern science.
"Our animal welfare system is considered one of the best in the world. The proposed regulations will further strengthen our reputation as a country that cares for animals."
The proposed regulations relate to the care of and conduct towards animals and include:
Infringement notices of $300 or $500 for low-level offending
Who may perform surgical or painful procedures on animals, and under what conditions
New rules for handling bobby calves, including raised areas for loading and trucking distance restrictions.
More powers for the director-general of the Ministry for Primary Industries on reporting of animal welfare when live animals are exported for breeding purposes.
Feedback is sought on the proposals by 19 May.
More bull breeders are using genetic tools according to the latest research.
Females are dominating the veterinary profession worldwide and many farmers are welcoming this change in the composition of the profession, says Britain's Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Professor Christine Middlemiss.
A five-year randomised survey of herbicide resistance on New Zealand arable farms has found widespread high levels of resistance - with 71% of farms affected in the worst-hit region - South Canterbury.
OPINION: The recent Federated Farmers / Rabobank 2024 Farming Salaries Report revealed strong growth in farm salaries over the past two years.
The low unemployment environment is one of the key factors driving on-farm salaries higher over the past 24 months, says Rabobank general manager for country banking Bruce Weir.
Fonterra has appointed a new chief financial officer, seven months after its last CFO’s shock resignation.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait is showing no sign of bouncing back from its financial doldrums.
OPINION: It seems every bugger in this country can get an award these days.