Woolworks scour reopens after $50m rebuild
The world’s largest wool processing facility, badly damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle over one year ago, has re-opened following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project.
A new initiative to support North Island farmers recovering from flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle with veterinary services receiving $2.6 million from the Ministry for Primary Industries.
Facilitated by the Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ), the new Vets on Farm initiative will help fund local veterinarians to provide on-farm advice and support.
This will include farm systems reviews and planning, disease sampling and testing and herd health planning. Farm planning will focus on animal health and welfare.
VCNZ chief executive Iain McLachlan says veterinary clinics contracted by VCNZ will be contacting weatheraffected animal farmers in Northland, Coromandel, Tairāwhiti, Hawke’s Bay, Tararua and Wairarapa.
“We will be trying to register as many clinics as we can and for them to then contact as many farmers as possible by the end of December. The ‘on farm’ work will then start in earnest in the new year.”
McLachlan says farmers interested in benefiting from Vets on Farm should get in touch with their local vet. He adds that results from the disease sampling and testing will be hugely beneficial in understanding the impact extreme weather events had on animal health and production and ensure farmers have healthy animals.
“Another benefit from the project is reducing the risk of humans acquiring diseases such as Leptospirosis, which has been seen to increase significantly after floods and cyclones,” McLachlan explains.
“It’s important to ensure animals in affected areas are healthy and disease free, as prevention is always better than a cure.”
Third-year student Cady Burns has won the Waikato Regional Council Prize in Water Science for 2024.
The Rural Change programme, providing free private mental health professional sessions to the rural industry, is set to continue its next chapter within Rural Support Trust from 1 July 2024.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Sam McIvor will step down in July.
A new report shows farm employers across the dairy, sheep and beef, and arable sectors have continued to invest strongly in one of their greatest assets – their staff.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
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…