Dairy sector profit still on the table, but margin gap tightens
DairyNZ’s latest Econ Tracker update shows most farms will still finish the season in a positive position, although the gap has narrowed compared with early season expectations.
DCANZ welcomes the consultation by MPI on the proposed animal welfare regulations for care and conduct and surgical and painful procedures.
New Zealand's reputation as a country with strong outcome focused animal welfare frameworks is important to New Zealand dairy companies, and to the dairy industry as a whole, says the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ).
Based on an initial review, the proposals appear to represent a positive move to reinforce New Zealand's animal welfare system, which is already recognised as world leading by the global animal welfare charity World Animal Protection.
The proposed regulations would provide further clarity of minimum standards expectations, and enable MPI's compliance team to use a greater range of tools to enforce compliance.
The dairy industry Strategy for Sustainable Dairy Farming sets a target for 100% compliance with New Zealand animal welfare standards, and individual dairy companies have reinforced expectations of compliance in their farmer supply contracts.
Dairy farmers are supported to achieve good animal welfare outcomes through the work of DairyNZ in developing, and promoting, industry best practice guidance.
The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition has removed 33,418 wild goats over the past three years.
New Zealand needs a new healthcare model to address rising rates of obesity in rural communities, with the current system leaving many patients unable to access effective treatment or long-term support, warn GPs.
Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees
Third-generation Ashburton dairy farmers TJ and Mark Stewart are no strangers to adapting and evolving.
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride says the divestment of Mainland Group is their last significant asset sale and signals the end of structural changes.