Make vets part of your management team
Farmers are being urged to make their veterinarians an integral part of their farm management team.
An overwhelming response to a sheep welfare survey of farmers, scientists and consumers shows animal wellbeing is of utmost importance to the Australian sheep industry, says Australia’s Sheep CRC.
“This survey is a first step to improve our knowledge in this area and to identify new methods to improve wellbeing standards on Australian farms,” says Sheep CRC chief executive James Rowe.
“Sheep producers genuinely care for the health and wellbeing of their animals and invest heavily in farm management practices, but protecting animals from threats to their health and wellbeing in extensive operating environments remains a major logistical challenge.”
The survey, which received 1530 responses, was run by the Animal Welfare Science Centre, Sheep CRC, University of Melbourne and Meat and Livestock Australia.
The CRC’s animal wellbeing programme aims to develop new risk management information, automated animal monitoring and data management systems to support pro-active management decisions. Data from the survey will fine-tune the work.
“Further improving wellbeing standards will require a big spend, which the industry is making to ensure Australian sheep are provided with enhanced levels of care and protection,” says Rowe.
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.
A seminar on rural dispute resolution has been organised at Lincoln University, Christchurch this month.
The legacy of Dr Peter Snow continues to inspire as the recipients of the 2023 and 2024 Peter Snow Memorial Awards were announced at the recent National Rural Health Conference.
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