Make vets part of your management team
Farmers are being urged to make their veterinarians an integral part of their farm management team.
The Ministry of Primary Industries has begun an advertising campaign encouraging people to let it know if they come across the mis-treatment of livestock.
"The vast majority of livestock owners care for their animals, but there is a very small minority who don't, and they let the rest down," says MPI's Deputy Director General of Regulation and Assurance, Scott Gallacher.
"We saw from the response to last year's allegations of bobby calf abuse just how much farmers care. There was a pretty clear voice from the farming community that animal abuse is not on. We agree, and we want to work with farmers and other livestock owners to do something about it to ensure that any abuse is identified and acted on."
"The advertisements encourage people to let us know if they see things that don't look right, and how to do that."
"MPI places a high priority on animal welfare. We know it's important to people, it's clearly important to the animals and it's important to New Zealand's reputation. When we get information about mistreatment of animals, we investigate. When there is offending, people are held to account."
People who become aware of potential livestock abuse can call MPI confidentially on 0800 00 83 33.
MPI has broad responsibility for managing animal welfare compliance in relation to livestock and other animals used for commercial purposes. The SPCA manages compliance in relation to companion (pet) animals.
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.