MPI launches industry-wide project to manage feral deer
An industry-wide project led by Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is underway to deal with the rising number of feral pests, in particular, browsing pests such as deer and pigs.
OPINION: MPI employs more than 3,600 staff in 45 locations around the country and internationally.
It also has a total budget of $1.1 billion for the 2023/24 year.
So, it's comforting to know that this agricultural powerhouse really knows its stuff.
A mate of your truly was tickled pink to read the following information in its advice to an update in the food regulations.
In its discussion on proposed changes to The Animal Products Notice: Production and Supply Processing, MPI advised that: "Notice Reference Proposed amendment: Type of change: Reason for amendment 2 (3). Create a separate goat animal code: Update Goats are not sheep. They are different mammals."
Isn't it comforting to know that the more than $1 billion spent a year on funding MPI is not wasted and that it recognises that 'goats aren't sheep', but in fact are 'different mammals'?
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride says the divestment of Mainland Group is their last significant asset sale and signals the end of structural changes.
Thirty years ago, as a young sharemilker, former Waikato farmer Snow Chubb realised he was bucking a trend when he started planting trees to provide shade for his cows, but he knew the animals would appreciate what he was doing.
Virtual fencing and herding systems supplier, Halter is welcoming a decision by the Victorian Government to allow farmers in the state to use the technology.
DairyNZ’s latest Econ Tracker update shows most farms will still finish the season in a positive position, although the gap has narrowed compared with early season expectations.
New Zealand’s national lamb crop for the 2025–26 season is estimated at 19.66 million head, a lift of one percent (or 188,000 more lambs) on last season, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) latest Lamb Crop report.

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