Editorial: Agri's mojo is back
OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.
OSPRI has suspended possum control operations in support of its TBfree disease eradication programme during the COVID-19 lockdown.
While possum control for the purposes of TB eradication is an important part of the TBfree programme, it is not regarded by Ministry of Primary Industries as an “essential service” that needs to continue during the lockdown.
The Government has set a high threshold for what constitutes an essential service, and says pest operations, while important, have insufficient immediate impact on market access, animal welfare and food safety to qualify.
TB testing of livestock and slaughter surveillance at meat processing plants will continue to provide assurance of TB-free meat and dairy products.
OSPRI chief operating officer Matthew Hall says stopping possum control operations, while unsettling, is not expected to impact the overall progress of the TBfree programme, although it may affect eradication target dates in some areas.
“We will assess which operations will resume post-lockdown and update farmers and contractors accordingly.”
Possums are the main vector of transmission of TB between wildlife and livestock, and farmers are encouraged to safely continue possum control on their land while Ospris contractors are grounded.
Further guidance on the resumption of TBfree possum control will be communicated when a firm date for the end of the present circumstances has been established, Ospri says.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
New Zealand must continue to educate Chinese consumers about the unique qualities of its red meat products and how they differ from competitors, says Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton.
There are opportunities outside the farmgate for young farmers to further develop their skills, says 2025 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award winner Bridie Virbickas.
OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.