RWNZ chief executive to step down
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) chief executive Gabrielle O’Brien will step down at the end of June.
Federated Farmers Manawatu/Rangitikei president Murray Holdaway is warning farmers to be ready for further disruption due to the pandemic.
He says there is a risk that many people - both on farms and in the supply chain - will be off work sick and that disruption and delays will be the order of the day.
Holdaway, who milks cows in Tararua, says farmers have to think differently and be prepared for the day when they cannot go down to their local farm supply store and get an item straight away. He believes farmers need to have a good plan for disposing of their cull cows.
"This could have some long term implications for the way we think about our businesses as well and a lot will depend on relationships. I have always tried to build relationships with people, not take the cheapest or best price on the day but build some trust and relationships, and I expect some in return. This situation could go on for months," he says.
Holdaway says there are other issues such as staff shortages and that will add to increased workloads and stress on farm and could affect health and safety.
"My plea to farmers is to think about these issues and to start planning, and do it today," he says.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
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.
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