Woolworks scour reopens after $50m rebuild
The world’s largest wool processing facility, badly damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle over one year ago, has re-opened following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project.
Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson says live exports of animals is a $500m trade that the country cannot afford to do without.
Patterson says the new Government will be working to overturn the ban placed by the former Labour Government.
"We will tidy up legislation so that animal welfare and safety of staff are paramount," he says.
Live cattle exports earn about $320 million annually for farmers and exporters. NZ cattle exports have helped China build their dairy herd, with nearly 135,000 cattle exported in 2021.
However, in April this year, labour banned livestock exports after an independent review said they could damage New Zealand's reputation regarding animal welfare. The reversal of the livestock exports ban is part of the coalition deal between National and NZ First. ACT also supports lifting the ban.
Dairy News understands new legislation around reversing the ban could be tabled in Parliament by the middle of next year.
Animal rights organization, SAFE says the government needs to maintain the ban on live exports.
New findings from not-for-profit food supply and distribution organization, the New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) have revealed a 42% increase in demand for food support in 2023 compared to 2022.
New data released by LIC and DairyNZ shows New Zealand dairy farmers have achieved the highest six week in-calf rate and lowest notin- calf rate on record.
Christchurch City Council and the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association (CAPA) have signed an agreement which will open more of Canterbury Agricultural Park for public use while helping to provide long-term certainty for the A&P Show.
This year’s Fieldays will feature a Rural Advocacy Hub - bringing together various rural organisations who are advocating for farmers and championing their interests as one team, under one roof, for the first time.
ASB head of rural banking Aidan Gent is encouraging farmers to speak to their banks when they are struggling.
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