MPI launches industry-wide project to manage feral deer
An industry-wide project led by Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is underway to deal with the rising number of feral pests, in particular, browsing pests such as deer and pigs.
MPI has so far refused to name the importer that owns the cargo of palm kernel extract currently banned from entering the country via Tauranga Port.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has so far refused to name the importer that owns the cargo of palm kernel extract currently banned from entering the country via Tauranga Port.
However, sources at the port have told Rural News Group that it belongs to American-owned company ADM, a relatively small player in the local feed market.
The 23,000 tonne shipment was blocked by MPI because it came from an unregistered facility not approved by the Malaysian Government. MPI says the importer has applied to discharge the PKE but that it must first prove the cargo is not a biosecurity risk.
At the time of writing ADM could not be contacted for comment.
Meanwhile the two main PKE importers – Fonterra and J Swap Stockfoods - have moved to assure customers that the non-compliant shipment is not theirs.
Matamata-based J Swap Stockfoods emailed their customers with this message yesterday: “We would like to take this opportunity to assure all our customers that this cargo and vessel was neither purchased nor chartered by Swap Stockfoods. Furthermore all palm kernel purchased by Swap Stockfoods come from MPI approved suppliers and meet MPI requirements. “
Thirty years ago, as a young sharemilker, former Waikato farmer Snow Chubb realised he was bucking a trend when he started planting trees to provide shade for his cows, but he knew the animals would appreciate what he was doing.
Virtual fencing and herding systems supplier, Halter is welcoming a decision by the Victorian Government to allow farmers in the state to use the technology.
DairyNZ’s latest Econ Tracker update shows most farms will still finish the season in a positive position, although the gap has narrowed compared with early season expectations.
New Zealand’s national lamb crop for the 2025–26 season is estimated at 19.66 million head, a lift of one percent (or 188,000 more lambs) on last season, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) latest Lamb Crop report.
Farmers appear to be cautiously welcoming the Government’s plan to reform local government, according to Ag First chief executive, James Allen.
The Fonterra divestment capital return should provide “a tailwind to GDP growth” next year, according to a new ANZ NZ report, but it’s not “manna from heaven” for the economy.

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