Frontline biosecurity 'untouchable'
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has reiterated that 'frontline' biosecurity services within Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will not be cut under the Government's plan to reduce the public service.
A Northland dairy farmer is going to Peru to provide advice on improving the productivity of the Peruvian highlands which cover 15 million hectares.
A lifetime dairy farmer, Murray Jamieson has earned a reputation as a farm consultant and strategic advisor working with a range of organisations including Lincoln University, Northland College farm and the Ministry for Primary Industries.
It was in this latter capacity which saw him as one of the hosts for the APEC Summit in the Bay of Islands in June this year bringing him into contact with representatives of the Peruvian Government.
"I accompanied delegates from Peru, Thailand and Vietnam around several farms in Northland. They were particularly interested in how Kiwi farmers maximize production from land and animals in dairying and drystock and also keen interest in arable farming.
"These countries also share the challenge common to most agricultural nations of attracting, training and retaining quality staff and there was a lot of interest in how tertiary institutions collaborate in New Zealand to nurture future generations of farmers."
Shortly after the Summit, Jamieson received an invitation from Alfonso Velasquez, on behalf of the Peruvian Government, to visit the Peruvian Highlands to assess the potential to significantly improve the production of the land through changes to the infrastructure, systems, training and benchmarking.
"The Peruvian highlands cover more than 15 million hectares which are home to more than 3.7 million cattle, 9 million sheep, 3 million alpacas and 1 million llamas and a variety of other species. The area also includes more than 470,000 hectares of forest and large tracts of protected land.
"There is a lot of potential to improve the pasture, water quality, animal health and genetics of the region and this will favourably impact on the incomes and welfare of the Peruvian people."
The Peruvian dairy industry is on the cusp of change and Jamieson says their vision of the future is being shaped by what is being achieved in New Zealand.
"I see my visit as opening the door to further collaboration with all aspects of our industry – from genetics through to milk processing, staff training and onfarm extension."
Jamieson is a candidate in the Board elections for DairyNZ and says the ten day trip to Peru will provide valuable perspectives for the Peruvian Government, and will be beneficial for relationships in New Zealand.
One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.
Graham Brown, the executive chef for Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ), is excited about Korea.
One of the country's leading experts on China has praised the NZ Government for its handling of the recent incident with China over that country's cyber attack on two of our parliamentary institutions in 2021.
The world’s largest wool processing facility, badly damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle over one year ago, has re-opened following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project.
Kiwi rugby star Renee Holmes is set for a fruitful year.
New Zealand-grown citrus fruit is now hitting supermarket shelves and Citrus NZ says it promises to be one of the best quality and tastiest seasons the country had in years.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…
OPINION: This old mutt understands that NZ Post will soon no longer be delivering to rural addresses on Saturdays.