OSPRI supporting farmers post-cyclone
In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, OSPRI says it is taking a pragmatic approach to TB testing in the Hawke’s Bay Movement Control Area (MCA).
Parts of coastal Rangitikei are reaping the rewards of the Animal Health Board's (AHB) moves to eradicate bovine tuberculosis (TB) from New Zealand.
More than 32,000 hectares of land in the region no longer have TB in wild animals, following intensive possum control, a range of surveys and scientific analysis. As a result, the area has been officially declared TB-free.
Cattle and deer farmers can be reassured that infected wild animals now pose negligible risk to livestock across around 16,000 hectares of coastal Rangitikei-Turakina and around 16,350 hectares of coastal Rangitikei-Bulls.
"Eradicating bovine TB from wild animal populations in these areas is a significant step on the road to ridding New Zealand of the disease," said Roger Beck, TBfree Manawatu-Wanganui Committee Chairman.
"Eradicating TB from the main wild animal carriers of the disease helps protect the reputation and economic benefit of the pastoral agricultural sector, which forms the backbone of rural communities such as Rangitikei.
"It is vital that we maintain access to premium overseas markets for our high quality beef, dairy and deer products," said Beck.
The AHB will continue to monitor wildlife populations in coastal Rangitikei through surveys and post mortem of animals to ensure the area remains free of TB.
Possums are responsible for around 70 per cent of new cattle and deer herd infections in TB risk areas. The national TB control strategy aims to eradicate the disease from one quarter of the 10 million hectares of New Zealand in which infected wild animals are known to inhabit.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
There have been leadership changes at the Hamilton-based Dairy Goat Co-operative, which has been struggling financially in recent years.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: In recent years farmers have been crying foul of unworkable and expensive regulations.
Another 16 commercial beef farmers have been selected to take part in the Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme designed to help drive the uptake of genetics in the industry.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Kiwi exporters will be $100 million better off today as the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into force.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…