Green but not much grass!
Dairy farmers in the lower North Island are working on protecting next season, according to Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre, who farms just north of the Horowhenua township of Levin.
Although a Canterbury farmer and trucking company are in the clear over animal welfare violations, that is no cause for complacency, warns Federated Farmers.
An MPI investigation into the transport of a consignment of cull dairy cows across Cook Straight has found no animal welfare breaches against either the farmer or transport company.
Federated Farmers’ Dairy chair Andrew Hoggard says there are clear messages from this high profile case, which had pictures of the cows shared on Facebook thousands of times, resulting in complaints to MPI.
“Even when stock comply with the provisions of the animal species’ and transport welfare codes of practice, there will be some people who will try to portray those stock in a bad light. For what ever reason that is, if they are going to report it to MPI, it needs to be backed up with facts.”
“People are quite free to express their opinions, but in my view the only people qualified on an animal welfare line-call are trained veterinarians. If there is a genuine concern, the farmer, industry body or local provincial presidents are available as the first port of call.”
However, Hoggard also has a word of caution for farmers. “Farmers can’t be complacent around animal welfare. Just because you don’t get prosecuted or your critics might have ulterior motives doesn’t absolve you from your responsibilities.”
“Farmers must especially exercise care when they are loading stock for transport. They and the truckers both have responsibilities. The code says stock must not be transported if they have any injuries, diseases, or they are behaving abnormally. If a farmer has any doubt then they should involve a vet for advice.”
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.