DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ wrap up M. bovis compensation support after $161M in claims
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
No working farms in New Zealand are currently affected by bacterial disease Mycoplasma bovis.
The only infected farm is a large beef feedlot, with planning underway to start clearing it later this year.
Four years after the arrival of the disease in the country, eradication still remains the goal of the Government and the farming sector.
Last week, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern thanked the primary sector for its efforts to eradicate the disease. She also acknowledged the pain and suffering endured by farmers.
"No one in the world had attempted to eradicate M. bovis before, and it we were going to try something that had never been done, we needed to do so together," Ardern said. "I want to acknowledge how tough it's been for those farmers who have lost their herds and stock genetics build up over decades. Your action has preserved our productive sectors that underpin the prosperity of all New Zealanders."
DairyNZ chairman Jim van der Poel said a lot was owed to farmers for their efforts in eradicating M. bovis and the robust biosecurity practices on-farm, which continues to be important.
"This programme has at times been challenging for farmers and it's important we acknowledge that. That work means we are now on a clear path to eradication and this transition will help maintain that status."
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chairman Andrew Morrison said his organisation was committed to ensuring the pest management programme worked for farmers.
"Farmers will remain at the centre of our work because without them we can't get to the point of proven absence of the disease."
Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
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…