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.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.

OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…