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.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is welcoming a huge drop in the number of farms under active surveillance for Mycoplasma bovis.
The most recent figures show just 327 properties under active surveillance versus 589 just a week earlier.
The number has consistently been at least 500 – and as high as 640 – since the so-called surge in May.
MPI says the 40% drop is due to several reasons, firstly that many farms have recently completed surveillance and been found clear.
It adds that farms are also starting to get through sampling and testing quicker, due to the changes in sampling requirements to only one negative round for most management groups.
MPI also claims a new data management system is providing more timely and accurate reporting.
The total number of confirmed infected properties now stands at 195 – with 176 cleared and 19 still active. 310 farms are now under a notice of direction.
MPI says it has slaughtered 117,591 animals and paid out compensation of $98.6 million from 1156 claims either completed or partly paid from 1486 claims received so far.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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