increase font size
It’s estimated that 28,000 sheep and 7000 cattle on Chatham Island need to get to the mainland urgently.
A potential crisis is looming for Chatham Island farmers who are still unable to get their stock off the Islands.
It's estimated that 28,000 sheep and 7,000 cattle need to get to the mainland urgently but can't because the ship that normally takes them there is still being repaired.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is working with the shipping company and local farmers to try and resolve the situation quickly, to avoid farmers losing money for their stock and to have feed available for new lambs and calves due shortly.
MPI's on-farm support team director, Dr John Roche, along with three of his key staff, visited the Chatham's recently. It was his first trip to the Islands and says he was overwhelmed by the kindness and hospitality of the locals.
The trip was an initiative by MPI to find out at first hand just what the situation was.
Roche told Rural News the farmers there are under huge pressure and life is very challenging for them.
"Normally stock would be shifted off the islands as soon as they become prime and ready for sale, but this hasn't happened. Everyone is aware of the problem and are working to get a solution as quickly as possible," he says.
Roche says the farmers are in the impossible position of not getting any revenue for their stock while at the same time having to deal with the downturn in prices that all farmers are having to cope with at the moment. He says everything costs more on the Chathams, including fuel and food, because it must be brought there by ship or aircraft and he says he cannot emphasise enough the problems the people face.
"So, there hasn't been any revenue for some time and that limits their financial situation," he says.
Roche says last year's lambs are a high priority to get off the islands because, if they don't, they are at risk of becoming hoggets and possibly worth less.
He says MPI is working with the local farmers and the shipping company to try and devise a system that speeds up the loading of the ship and hence get a faster turnaround, and maybe more sailings.
Even if the ship was available immediately, it's estimated that it would require multiple trip to get all the animals off to the mainland.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
OPINION: A simpler, clearer, more effective Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.
The country's second largest milk processor is warning against 'complacency' during a review of competition regulations in the dairy sector.
New Zealand apple and pear industry stakeholders are out in force for the annual conference in Queenstown.
Blueberry growers are warning that fresh imports could pose a huge biosecurity risk for NZ’s horticulture sector.
Celebrating 50 years in the rural landscape of Central Canterbury and beyond, Ashburton-based Carrfields, has been the exemplar for all aspects of modern agriculture via its extensive range of services including supply, growing, agronomic advice and marketing.
For Taupiri dairy farmers Logan and Sian Dawson, their involvement in the NZ Dairy Industry Awards has been a key catalyst in the growth of their business - the experience helping shape how they approach the farm ownership pathway they are pursuing today.
West Otago dairy farmer Luke Kane has been awarded the 2026 Rabobank Dr John Morris Business Development Prize.
OPINION: As the general election approaches, political parties are churning out policies in the hope of attracting more votes.
An LIC bull, Tronnoco AR Sadio-ET S3F, bred by Tony and Keri O'Connor of Tronnoco Farming Co Ltd near Timaru, has won the 2026 Mahoe Trophy.
With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
