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.
A Whāngārei farm manager has been fined $3,130 after hitting a cow with an alkathene pipe and a metal bar.
Michael Ian Luke, a 62-year-old former Mangapai dairy farm manager, was sentenced yesterday in the Whāngārei District Court following a court case brought through by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Between 1 April and 18 May 2018, Luke handled dairy cows violently, including striking them with excessive force with an alkathene pipe and hitting them about the legs with a metal pipe.
Luke hit one cow in particular about the legs with a metal pipe so severely that both legs were badly swollen and she struggled to walk.
Luke entered a guilty plea to a representative charge under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. He was convicted and ordered to pay $3,130.
The charge was related to hitting a cow with an alkathene pipe and a metal bar.
MPI director of compliance Gary Orr said people who were in charge of animals had a duty of care toward them.
"The law is clear on these matters and anyone would agree this does not meet our high standards for the care of animals."
Individuals who are aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty can report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints freephone on 0800 00 83 33.
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.
AgriZeroNZ, a joint venture fast-tracking emissions reduction tools for farmers, is pouring $5 million in a biotech company to develop a low emissions farm pasture with increased productivity gains.