$20m facial eczema research funding announced
Government and the red meat sector are teaming up to help eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) on farmed animals.
Drought has contributed to New Zealand’s sheep flock falling over the past year.
The total number of sheep in New Zealand decreased 2.3% over the past year to 26.21 million, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ)’s annual stock number survey.
Supplementary feed usage increased accordingly, as farmers used expensive feed in order to maintain the condition of their livestock.
COVID-19 also reduced demand for stock as international trade was disrupted, sale yards were unable to operate, and processing capacity was restricted under social distancing requirements, causing delays of up to six weeks.
The lamb crop is expected to be 4.2% lower nationally.
B+LNZ economic service chief economist Andrew Burtt says that drought meant that farmers decided to have fewer hoggets, weaner cattle, and cows mated, which will have impacts on future stock numbers.
“The impact of the combined decisions to destock younger animals this year will be fewer stock in future years,” said Burtt.
“Capital breeding stock may have been retained this year, but the effects of the disruption in 2019-20 will be felt for at least a couple of years.”
Total sheep have declined from 57.85 million in June 1990 to 26.21 million in June 2020.
The full stock survey is available here.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.