Pig farmers respond to new welfare standards
Pig farmers are cautiously welcoming new animal welfare standards announced by the Government last week.
Following a recent director election, Canterbury farmer Sean Molloy has been appointed to the New Zealand Pork Industry Board.
Molloy, who farms in the Selwyn district, will be a producer representative for NZPork's Region 3, covering the South Island.
Molloy has been elected for the period until 31 July 2028. He replaces Nigel Young, who has stepped down as a director.
NZPork chair Paul Bucknell says Molloy will be a valuable addition to the board.
“Sean’s family have been farming pigs for more than 40 years. He is a strong advocate for the industry and passionate about pig welfare, sustainable farming systems and advancements in technology," Bucknell says.
“We are looking forward to the insights, skills and knowledge he will bring to the board table."
Molloy's Offally Farms at Sheffield is home to 400 breeding sows, with the farm also growing its own barley as feed for the pigs. Effluent from their stock is treated and used as fertiliser on their irrigated land.
A stable but uncertain year lies ahead for New Zealand primary products, says Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General, Ray Smith.
Additional tariffs introduced by the Chinese Government last month on beef imports should favour New Zealand farmers and exporters.
Primary sector leaders have praised the government and its officials for putting the Indian free trade deal together in just nine months.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand.
Dairy farmers are still in a good place despite volatile global milk prices.
Legal controls on the movement of fruits and vegetables are now in place in Auckland’s Mt Roskill suburb, says Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis.

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