Fall armyworm survives NZ winter, defying early pest assessments
Maize and sweetcorn pest fall armyworm has defied initial assessments regarding its ability to survive over winter in some parts of New Zealand.
A recent dog poisoning following an aerial pest control operation in the Taupo region highlights the importance of complying with warning signs and taking steps to protect pets, says OSPRI.
OSPRI North Island programme manager Alan Innes says, unfortunately dogs are extremely susceptible to 1080 poisoning from eating baits or scavenging poisoned possums.
"However, dog owners have an obligation to follow warning signs and keep their animals safe and under control at all times," he says.
OSPRI's TBfree programme aims to eradicate bovine TB. Possums are the main carrier of bovine TB and may spread the disease to livestock in surrounding farmland if they are not effectively controlled.
Strict health and safety guidelines are followed for all pest control operations along with meeting extensive public consultation and notification processes. These include letters to residents in the operational area, newspaper notifications and warning signs.
Innes says for the operation in question, residents on the boundaries of the area were sent a letter about the operation in October/November last year.
"Signs were then put up by the pest control contractor before the operation began on 13/1/2016. It is important that the public adhere to the instructions on these warning signs which will remain in place until carcass monitoring shows that bait and carcass breakdown has been achieved which may take up to six months.'
Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
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