Feral cattle wreak havoc
According to John Roche, MPI, the saviour for Chatham Island farmers this season has been the weather.
New Zealand pig farmers are urging Kiwis to back the industry and have their say on a new draft welfare code.
A new website www.supportnzpigfarmers.co.nz has been set up to provide information on changes proposed by the Government and allows Kiwis to lodge submissions directly with the Ministry for Primary Industries.
The draft welfare code for pigs was released by the Government in April for public consultation and NZPork says it could result in the deaths of thousands of additional piglets, pig farms shutting down and Kiwis having to rely on imported pork.
“Our pig farmers have received a great deal of support from New Zealanders who are shocked about the impact of the Government’s proposed changes and the fact imported pork is not required to meet our high standards,” says Brent Kleiss, chief executive of NZPork.
“We support science-backed improvements to animal welfare, but the proposed changes could force farmers out of business and put the price of New Zealand born and raised pork out of the reach of many Kiwis.
“That’s why we need the public’s help to ensure our farmers can continue to produce New Zealand born and raised pork to high animal welfare and environmental standards.”
The draft code includes changes to the minimum space allowance for grower pigs, a ban on farrowing crates, an effective ban on mating stalls and would set a minimum weaning age of 28 days for piglets.
“We’re urging the Government to reject the proposals developed by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee,” says Kleiss.
“They would impose welfare standards further removed from those in most of the world while allowing even more pork to be imported and consumed here.”
Taranaki pig farmer Karl Stanley says he is supporting the campaign.
“As a farmer, I am committed to improving welfare outcomes – a happy and contented pig is a productive pig. However, any change must deliver proven animal welfare outcomes for all pigs.
“Our welfare standards are already much higher than the rest of the world - the Government’s changes would widen that gap even further - it’s more important than ever that we support New Zealand pig farmers to be the best in the world.”
The real winner of this year’s FMG Young Farmer Region-off have been the regional communities.
As calving approaches, farmers need to get their teams ready for what lies ahead in the coming months.
Feeling sluggish this winter? Then try some seasonal fruit, renowned for lifting mood, energy and immunity levels just when we need it most.
The missing link in getting maximum weight gain in your calves may be as simple as keeping them warm, says the Christchurch manufacturer of a range of woollen covers for young livestock.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) and Massey University are joining forces to help raise awareness and funds to combat leptospirosis.
Auckland-based supplement and nutritional company New Image International is celebrating 40 years of business in their home country.
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