Frontline biosecurity 'untouchable'
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has reiterated that 'frontline' biosecurity services within Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will not be cut under the Government's plan to reduce the public service.
The Government is hailing the efforts of the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) in reducing the death of bobby calves on farm.
Associate Minister of Agriculture responsible for animal welfare Meka Whaitiri says the number of bobby calves that die between the farm gate and the works is now down to 6 calves for every 10,000.
That is a victory for our animal welfare regulations, says Whaitiri.
“This improvement is just great to see and represents a lot of hard work done by MPI and the industry to improve the welfare of bobby calves.
“In 2008 the mortality rate was a depressing 68 calves per 10,000 and that prompted changes in the industry that saw that rate start to fall.’
Regulations were introduced in 2016 and deaths continue to drop every year.
Improvements in the mortality rates show that these regulations, alongside the industry’s own initiatives have made a real difference, says Whaitiri.
“The welfare of calves is a collective responsibility so it’s important that we keep up the good work to make sure calves are treated humanely.”
MPI developed the Animal Welfare (Calves) Regulations and implemented four of them in 2016, with the final three regulations coming into force in 2017.
“I am delighted that there is yet another improvement in the mortality rates around bobby calves but we must remain vigilant,” says Whaitiri.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.
Rural trader PGG Wrightson has revised its operating earnings guidance, saying trading conditions have deteriorated since the last market update in February.
It's been a bumper season for maize and other supplements in the eastern Bay of Plenty.
Leading farmers from around New Zealand connected to share environmental stories and inspiration and build relationships at the Dairy Environment Leaders (DEL) national forum in Wellington last month.
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