OSPRI writes off $17m over botched traceability system
Animal disease management agency OSPRI has written off nearly $17 million after a botched attempt to launch a new integrated animal disease management and traceability system.
The proposed Southern dairy hub has got the go-ahead from partners DairyNZ and AgResearch.
Southern Dairy Development Trust chair Matthew Richards says the trust this month updated the directors of DairyNZ and AgResearch on their fundraising, and sought their approval and financial backing.
Farmer pledges numbered 516, amounting to $1.3 million.
The target was $2 million in farmer pledges, but because a majority of southern dairy farmers pledged money a decision was made to proceed.
“DairyNZ and AgResearch were pleased with the number of farmers prepared to back the proposal, especially in a low milk payout time. Both boards wanted to see strong farmer commitment… and this was a key to going ahead. Both boards know how important the hub project is for our region. Their support means we can move to the next phase of the hub development.”
The next step will be to buy a suitable farm, Richards says. “We have been looking at some properties that could meet our needs.”
Then consents, design and planning will go ahead.
“It’s going to be a tight timeframe to be ready for milking cows in June next year, but our team is ready and focused.”
The pledging website will remain ‘live’ until the day the hub is completed, to receive any more pledges.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will be fronting farmers at three large public meetings organised by Federated Farmers over the coming weeks.
Federated Farmers and a major Australian-owned bank are at loggerheads over emissions reduction targets set for New Zealand farmer clients.
More locally grown tomatoes are coming to stores this month and you can thank New Zealand greenhouses for that.
Changing skill demands and new job opportunities in the primary sector have prompted Massey University to create a new degree course and add a significant major into another in 2025.
It was bringing in a new Canterbury A&P Association (CAPA) show board, more in tune with the CAPA general committee, that has ensured that Christchurch will have a show this year, says CAPA general committee president Bryce Murray.
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