Early drought fears ease in Hawke’s Bay, but caution remains
Fears of a serious early drought in Hawke’s Bay have been allayed – for the moment at least.
Three more herds are infected with tuberculosis (TB) in Hawke’s Bay, OSPRI announced today.
OSPRI says individual animals in three herds previously under investigation are now confirmed as infected.
There are now eight beef and three dairy herds infected.
Two additional herds are also now under investigation, with DNA strain-typing and movement assessments underway.
Investigations into two other herds reported last week have now closed. There are now ten herds being investigated.
A total of 53,449 animals have been tested since 1 November 2019. Just one herd has been cleared of the infection.
15 pre-movement tests completed, a further 24 pre-movement tests have been allocated to AsureQuality.
For infected herds, two clear, whole herd tests six months apart are required to achieve clear status
For more information go to www.ospri.co.nz/hawkes-bay
Rangitikei Rivers Catchment Collective (RRCC) chairperson Roger Dalrymple says farmers in his region are taking a national lead in water quality awareness and monitoring.
One young couple is proving farm ownership is still within reach for young Kiwis.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.

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