Less hot air
OPINION: Farmers won't get any credit for this from the daily media, so Milking It is giving the bouquets where they’re due.
OPINION: A third medical school is a step closer to fruition and that’s good news for the rural sector.
The Coalition Government should be commended for signing a memorandum of understanding with the University of Waikato last week.
Despite some parties’ opposition to the project, stats also tell us many GPs are planning to retire in the next 10 years, which will particularly impact provincial and rural communities already experiencing New Zealand’s biggest doctor shortages.
The Government has made it clear to the critics- the proposed third medical school will have a focus on primary care. The needs of rural areas will be taken into consideration and the Government envisages a fouryear graduate entry programme, instead of the existing six-year programs.
A Māori-owned agribusiness helping to turn a long-standing animal welfare and waste issue into a high-value protein stream for the dairy and red meat sectors wants more industry support.
Only this season’s $10/kgMS bumper payout has saved some dairy farms along the Taranaki coast from absolute disaster due to the present drought – dubbed as one of the worst ever for some.
A survey of contract milkers in the dairy sector has revealed some shocking statistics - 43% of respondents reported abusive behaviour from a farm owner and a whopping 72% suffered a mental and/or financial setback in the role.
The 2025 game bird season is underway with Hawke’s Bay and Southland reporting the ideal weather conditions for hunters – rain and wind.
A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1.6 million for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit.
New Zealand’s top cheeses for 2025 have been announced and family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese is the big winner.