Industrial Hemp Regulations Revoked as New Zealand Opens New Era for Hemp Industry
From last week, the Industrial Hemp Regulations 2006 have been revoked.
As the dairy industry's spring calving kicks off, the Bobby Calf Action Group (BCAG) is reminding everyone who handles calves of the important role they have to play.
"The rubber hits the road now, it's up to everyone across the supply chain to meet the required standards of care for bobby calves this season," says Ministry for Primary Industries deputy director general, Scott Gallacher.
Eight organisations make up the BCAG which was formed at the end of 2015 to accelerate and add to existing measures aimed at ensuring everyone involved with bobby calves applies best practice in their handling and care.
The BCAG is made up of DairyNZ, Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand, Meat Industry Association, Federated Farmers, New Zealand Petfood Manufacturers Association, Road Transport Forum, New Zealand Veterinary Association and the Ministry for Primary Industries.
Gallacher says farmers, industry and government have been working for some years on lifting the standard of care for bobby calves.
"We would like to acknowledge the majority of farmers, transporters and processors who care for and handle bobby calves appropriately. But we urge those who need to make improvements to step up this season and demonstrate that as an industry, we care about bobby calf welfare."
The BCAG organisations are ready to work together should any issues arise this season.
"We encourage people who are aware of bobby calf welfare issues to call the MPI hotline 0800 00 83 33 so we can investigate."
Forestry Minister Todd McClay has today congratulated the winners of the 2026 Growing Native Forests Champions Awards at Fieldays.
The Government has announced $60,000 to provide one-off grants of $1,000 to each of the 60 New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) clubs across the country.
New Zealand’s rural sector has once again demonstrated its generosity, with the second Rural Industry Leaders Dinner, Debate and Auction raising an impressive $400,000 for the Rural Support Trust.
There has been another twist to the Federated Farmers annual election fiasco.
Analysis of decades of research has revealed the implementation of good farming practices plays a critical role in reducing nutrient losses to improve freshwater outcomes.
Yesterday the Government used the opening of Fieldays to announce a major investment, as part of its Land Use Flexibility package, to support a more productive and sustainable future across six sectors including dairy.