More funding for vet graduates in rural areas
A total of 34 graduate vets will be placed in rural areas this year, from Northland to Southland, through the Government's Voluntary Bonding Scheme for Veterinarians (VBS).
The prolonged low dairy payout is affecting rural vets; some are reporting 25-30% reduction in income.
The fall comes as dairy farmers cut budgets, have fewer lame cows, and as more cows get culled, leaving fewer animals for vets to treat.
In the past two months, work has picked up as farmers spend on pregnancy scans for dairy cows, but this is expected to drop off again.
Vets say they are cutting back: stripping printing and stationery costs, pulling back on continuing education for staff, watching phone costs and even scrutinising their giving to local charities and farming groups.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.
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