Positive first year for ZAG fund
As it enters its second year, Zespri says the first year of the Zespri Innovation Fund (ZAG), has been “really positive”.
The Smaller Milk and Supply Herds (SMASH) conferences will be held in three North Island venues next month.
The conference theme is ‘Sharing Solutions’; events will be held in Taranaki (June 21), Waikato (June 23) and Northland (June 26).
Three speakers - Zespri chief executive Lain Jager, vet Neil Chesterton and motivational speaker Kevin Biggar - have been roped in for the day-long event.
Jager will talk about how the kiwifruit industry tackled the big challenge of Psa, and how they rebuilt afterwards to create a solid footing going forward.
Chesterton is passionate about finding solutions to reduce lameness. He will talk about the lameness risk factors and show you how important cow flow and low stress handling are as keys to reducing foot injury.
Biggar will speak about overcoming your fear of challenges, confronting doubts head-on and creating the momentum to achieve success.
Each conference starts at 9am and finish with nibbles and drinks at 5pm. DairyNZ levy payers pay $70 for the event while non-levy payers will pay $120.
The 2025 game bird season is underway with Hawke’s Bay and Southland reporting the ideal weather conditions for hunters – rain and wind.
A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1.6 million for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit.
New Zealand’s top cheeses for 2025 have been announced and family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese is the big winner.
Waikato farmer, and Owl Farm demonstration manager, Jo Sheridan is the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr believes the outlook for the dairy sector remains strong.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) awards.