Two LIC directors not seeking re-election
Two long-standing LIC farmer-elected directors are stepping down later this year.
LIC's champion bull Howies Checkpoint 508077 is heading to the works after delivering his last semen.
The premature end to the bull’s stint at LIC follows two incidents within 12 months, according to a farmer advisory posted on LIC’s website by chief executive Wayne McNee.
McNee says the decision to no longer collect from Checkpoint follows a recent incident which resulted in the bull being deemed too dangerous for staff to handle.
“This was the second incident with Checkpoint in the last 12 months, so in accordance with LIC policy, he will be culled. We have a responsibility to our staff and we take these matters seriously.
“Health and safety of all is paramount at LIC, above anything else and regardless of the bull’s ranking.”
Limited frozen supply will remain available through its genetics business Alpha Nominated.
Checkpoint has made his mark on the LIC Premier Sires team since his debut in the 2011-12 season with a record 318 BW. His 866,480 inseminations make him one of only eight bulls to exceed 800,000 lifetime inseminations in the history of AB, and the only KiwiCross.
In his first full season as a Premier Sire (2012-13), he achieved 309,392 inseminations, also a record for the breed.
By comparison, Scotts Northsea, the only KiwiCross on LIC’s bull Hall of Fame, achieved 787,000 lifetime inseminations.
Checkpoint has 93,000 daughters in the national herd; 5500 are milked on farms in New Zealand (RAS list 17/01/15).
His genetics have also been exported worldwide, says McNee.
“Checkpoint’s contribution to the industry will continue, with 23 sons in the pipeline as future sires for national herd and as more of his daughters start milking.”
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
World Veterinary Day falls on Saturday 27 April.
The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole range of groups and people around the country.
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.
OPINION: Talking about plant-based food: “Chicken-free chicken” start-up Sunfed has had its valuation slashed to zero by major investor Blackbird…
OPINION: Synlait's financial woes won’t be going away anytime soon.