Recycling 10,000 cow collars
MSD Animal Health New Zealand has partnered with Agrecovery in New Zealand’s first pilot to recycle SenseHub Dairy Collars (previously known as Allflex Collars) used by its dairy farmer clients.
Free recycling of plastic agricultural bags is now available to farmers and growers.
Rural recycling programme AgRecovery says it is "turning up the dial" on sustainability, with the rollout of recycling of bags made from low density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic in Marlborough and Hawke's Bay. This comes ahead of a nationwide rollout, following successful trials held in the regions last year.
Operations advisor Felicity Mitchell says the success of these trials and the enthusiasm of farmers and growers are behind the move to a permanent solution for the bags, which are used for fertiliser and fungicides.
"Our focus is now on finding other sites around the country for collecting the plastic and engaging more manufacturers to support the programme," she explains.
"LDPE is a low-quality plastic, making it more difficult to recycle, but we don't want it being burnt or buried on farms. We're passionate about finding the most sustainable solution for all the products we collect."
After 15 years of offering container and drum recycling, the not-for-profit organisation is partnering with agricultural manufacturers to clear more plastic from farms.
This initiative is part of a broader plan that AgRecovery is developing, with the government and industry, to set up product stewardship schemes for the sector.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.