National Pest Management Plan for TB seeks feedback
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
The dairy sector needs 1500 overseas workers next year.
At the same time, it is also asking the Government to allow overseas workers to quarantine in separate housing on farm.
Dairy sector partners - DairyNZ, Federated Farmers and Dairy Women's Network - are asking for changes to be made to class exceptions by Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor.
Obtaining MIQ spaces for overseas workers has hindered the arrival of workers urgently needed to milk cows and manage animals.
DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle says severely limiting the dairy sector's access to international labour is creating unacceptable levels of stress for farmers and their teams.
"This presents some risks to animal welfare and limits dairy's future productivity at a time when our contribution to New Zealand is critical for our wider economy," says Mackle.
In a recent joint DairyNZ and Federated Farmers survey half of dairy farmers reported they were short-staffed.
The request comes as New Zealand unemployment rates fell to 3.4% to equal the lowest level seen since 2007, shortly before the worst effects of the Global Financial Crisis hit the economy.
"We are seeing many core sectors facing challenges filling vacancies due to low unemployment rates," says Mackle.
"We know from our recent farmer survey that 87% of farmers made changes to appeal to local employees, with farmers reporting improved rosters, reduced hours, flexible milking schedules and increased salaries.
"However, we still have a significant workforce shortage and that's why we need to reintroduce international staff to help fill some of the gap."
Federated Farmers immigration spokesperson Chris Lewis says farmers need certainty they will be able to access international workers for next year.
"The border processes Government used this year were hugely frustrating for farmers. If our borders do remain closed, we need processes streamlined to provide farmers with confidence they can recruit staff and get them into New Zealand much faster," says Lewis. "The Government needs to commit to acting now so we can access the people we need for next season."
DWN chief executive Jules Benton says the current workforce shortage is creating high levels of stress for farming families.
"Farming families need assurance they will be able to fill vacant roles.
"Levels of physical and mental fatigue are not sustainable and as a sector we are hugely concerned about the wellbeing of our people.
"Farmers are uniquely positioned to be able to offer new international workers safe home quarantine in rural areas, taking the pressure off MIQ facilities."
The organisations are seeking a meeting with O'Connor.
Farmers are hopeful of getting overseas workers in before the calving season starts in July.
According to the most recent Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey, farmer confidence has inched higher, reaching its second highest reading in the last decade.
From 1 October, new livestock movement restrictions will be introduced in parts of Central Otago dealing with infected possums spreading bovine TB to livestock.
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Award-winning boutique cheese company, Cranky Goat Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
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