National Pest Management Plan for TB seeks feedback
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
The chair of the Dairy Environmental Leaders (DEL) says the country's dairy farmers are at the forefront of environmental management.
Speaking at a meeting of DEL members in Wellington, Amber Carpenter, who is also a dairy farmer from Hunua, said the forum is testament to this.
She says the forum gives some of New Zealand's most innovative farming leaders an opportunity to connect with each other, policy makers, politicians, and other influencers who shape the New Zealand dairy sector.
The DEL network was formed by farmers, DairyNZ and the NZ Farm Environment Trust in 2007. It aims to empower leadership and provide opportunities to support and share on-farm actions to reduce environmental footprints, and broader sustainability issues. There are about 400 members - all environmentally focused dairy farmers who are committed to creating a sustainable future in dairying.
Carpenter says by coming together, members can share experiences, learn from each other, and continue to innovate for a more sustainable future.
"These connections help the dairy sector continue to develop climate and water quality solutions for our pasture-based farms, to accelerate positive change, and get ahead of the environmental challenges farmers face," she says.
One of the keynote speakers was the chair of DairyNZ and a former chair of DEL, Tracy Brown. She noted that the challenges of climate change and freshwater management are the biggest environmental issues facing the agriculture sector over the coming 10 to 20 years. She says that DairyNZ is committed to supporting farmers through investments in science, research, policy advocacy, and extension.
"Dairy farming is at the heart of New Zealand's economy, and it's crucial that we continue to lead the way in sustainable practices. This event is an excellent opportunity for our environmental leaders to come together, share knowledge, and work towards our sustainable future," she says.
Brown says it's a well-known fact that NZ has one of the most sustainable dairy sectors in the world, but that is not a reason to be complacent. She says we must continue to do better.
Other speakers at the meeting included the Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay who noted that it was important have a healthy tension between government, industry and sectors.
Each group, he says, plays a crucial role of each in pushing each other to be better and leading to improved outcomes for New Zealand.
According to the most recent Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey, farmer confidence has inched higher, reaching its second highest reading in the last decade.
From 1 October, new livestock movement restrictions will be introduced in parts of Central Otago dealing with infected possums spreading bovine TB to livestock.
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Award-winning boutique cheese company, Cranky Goat Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
OPINION: Westland Milk may have won the contract to supply butter to Costco NZ but Open Country Dairy is having…
OPINION: The Gene Technology Bill has divided the farming community with strong arguments on both the pros and cons of…