Getting sheep shape at Pyramid Farm
The vineyards at Pyramid Farm in Marlborough’s Avon Valley have never been run of the mill, with plantings that follow the natural contours of the land, 250 metres above sea level.
A big drop in sheep measles prevalence has occurred during the past 12 months.
“The national prevalence of sheep measles has dropped from 0.57% last season to 0.48%,” says Dan Lynch, project manager of Ovis Management.
“At first glance, it doesn’t look huge, but in real terms it is. It’s a great result.”
He says several factors, such as higher ewe values, mean there’s less home-kill being fed to dogs on-farm, reducing the risk of C. ovis outbreaks. But much of the latest drop in prevalence results from a steady increase in the number of farmers dosing their dogs monthly.
“While the reduction has been occurring over several seasons this is the most significant to date.”
However, Lynch says that’s no cause for complacency as sheep measles remains a quality issue in the marketplace.
Ovis Management has in the last 12 months worked to get its message to a bigger audience by more use of social media, new branding and an updated website.
“The goal, to share the importance of preventing sheep measles, is not just for farmers but other dog owners who may unwittingly allow their dogs to carry and spread the parasite,” Lynch said.
“ ‘Promote, protect and participate’ are the three pillars of the new-look branding. The message is that every at-risk dog, big or small, should be dosed monthly.”
New Zealand now has relatively low levels of sheep measles. An outbreak could cause a lot of damage in otherwise healthy stock.
There are also real financial costs for farmers. At processing, infected animals result in downgrading or, in extreme cases, condemning of sheep or lamb carcases.
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…