Biosecurity award for M. bovis work
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
The Ministry of Primary Industries’ own tests and controls of raw milk safety on farms overlay those of the dairy companies, but the ministry works also with the companies.
A spokeswoman told Dairy News that on farm controls and systems minimise the opportunity for contamination of milk. Their effectiveness can and is confirmed by, for example, testing of milk and audits of farms.
The recent threats to contaminate infant formula with 1080 have put part of the focus on the safety of raw milk in vats.
MPI points out it is a serious criminal offence to contaminate or adulterate raw milk and any such event would be investigated by the dairy company, MPI and police.
MPI is urging farmers to play their part in preventing contamination of milk.
Farmers should be familiar with NZCP1: Code of Practice for the Design and Operation of Farm Dairies, available on the MPI website. This details preventative measures that help protect dairy equipment and raw milk from contamination.
The spokeswoman says it is important that chemicals are kept secure and away from the farm dairy, and that records are kept of what has been bought and used.
“If farmers see suspicious behaviour on their farm or a neighbour’s farm they should contact their dairy company or police immediately.”
Dairy companies test milk at collection points on each farm; samples are subject to various tests to confirm the quality of the milk.
She says in addition the milk in the tanker is tested for certain chemical residues prior to the milk being unloaded. “If the tanker is found to have residues in excess of maximum allowable residue limits the milk is discarded; this testing by the dairy company is mandated by MPI.”
MPI runs separate testing – the National Chemical Contaminants Programme (NCCP) – over and above dairy company testing. Independent of dairy company sampling and testing, it randomly samples milk in farm vats across the country and over a full year.
The samples are tested for at least 500 chemical residues, contaminants and compositional parameters. This helps MPI determine the effectiveness of controls of agricultural chemicals, veterinary medicines and farming practices.
“The NCCP also helps MPI understand what issues may be emerging through changes in farming and feeding practices. The programme has been proven highly effective. The NCCP has also stood up to international scrutiny, with numerous audits by other countries.”
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait is showing no sign of bouncing back from its financial doldrums.
OPINION: It seems every bugger in this country can get an award these days.