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.
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.