Crazy
OPINION: Your canine crusader was truly impressed by the almost unanimous support given by politicians of all stripes in Parliament to the recent passing of legislation for the NZ/EU free trade deal.
A controversial taskforce appointed by Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor to look into winter grazing practices will make its first report by end of this week.
O’Connor says the group will keep working on a plan of action to be presented to him by late September.
“My expectation of this group is to do a stocktake of the multiple initiatives already underway to promote good winter grazing practices and identify why these are not currently working for all,” said O’Connor.
“Then we need to come up with actions on how we can get farmers where they should be.
“The taskforce will draw on advice and expertise from various groups and individuals across the country who can inform and challenge the taskforce’s thinking.”
The taskforce is chaired by John Hellstrom, a former chair of the national animal welfare advisory committee.
The appointment on the taskforce of Hamilton businessman Angus Robson, who has spearheaded a recent campaign to highlight cows in bogged paddocks, has raised eyebrows in the farming sector and raised questions about O’Connor’s judgement.
Two farmers — Ewen Mathieson, Southland and Pania King, Gisborne — were also appointed.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.