OSPRI introduces movement control area in Central Otago to protect livestock
From 1 October, new livestock movement restrictions will be introduced in parts of Central Otago dealing with infected possums spreading bovine TB to livestock.
OSPRI Chief Executive Michelle Edge will leave the organisation in mid-September.
Edge says that over the last three years, the company has achieved significant outcomes.
This includes a complete restructure and change management and business improvement programme.
She says OSPRI achieved significant developments in terms of its focus on its core programmes, TBfree and NAIT, the development of new initiatives and the confirmation of its Strategic Plan, despite the significant funding reduction.
Chairman Jeff Grant says Edge has made a big contribution to the reshaping of OSPRI since joining the company.
This included a restructuring of the TBfree program and dealing with $20 million reduction of funding for TBfree.
“This required downsizing the business to better fit the requirements of risk based testing and the eventual eradication of TB in New Zealand. Michelle has played a major role in also ensuring the NAIT Review was completed which will see changes implemented that give a more usable system for the Industry and confidence in providing the intended outcomes when it was first set up,” Grant says.
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.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.