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.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy met with local farmers near Ashburton yesterday and says that dry conditions are a concern.
"The dry summer may have been good news for holidaymakers but farmers are starting to feel the pinch in South and Mid-Canterbury, North Otago, and Wairarapa.
"Restrictions are in place for some irrigators as water levels drop, and the short term outlook is not showing much rain on the horizon.
"Most farmers I talked to today are managing by de-stocking and using feed supplies, but are hopeful of rain before too long to set them up for winter.
According to Guy, MPI is keeping a close eye on the amount of rainfall, soil moisture levels and river levels and gets good information from people on the ground. However, he says at this stage the Government is not planning to classify this event as a medium-scale adverse event.
"This threshold would be reached when the lack of rainfall has an economic, environmental and social impact on farming businesses and the wider community.
Guy advised farmers to take note of the support services already available from Government agencies in all regions. Farmers can contact the IRD if they need help or flexibility with making tax payments, while Work and Income offer standard hardship assistance.
"I would urge farmers to make use of the good advice and support available from their local Rural Support Trusts. They are doing a great job of coordinating farming communities and providing information," he adds.
"It is a tough situation for many with this coming on top of a lower dairy payout. However, I know that farmers are resilient and have come through many challenges like snowstorms, earthquakes and commodity price fluctuations before."
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.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
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.