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
A Taranaki farmer and livestock agent who illegally swapped NAIT tags from cows infected with a bovine disease in an attempt to sell the cows has been fined $15,000.
Bill and Michelle Burgess had an eye-opening realisation when they produced the same with fewer cows.
It was love that first led Leah Prankerd to dairying. Decades later, it's her passion for the industry keeping her there, supporting, and inspiring farmers across the region.
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.

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