Watch out for ash
Dairy farmers affected by the Mount Tongariro eruption are encouraged to keep an eye on their stock, advises DairyNZ.
While few dairy farms have currently been affected by the Tongariro eruption, DairyNZ wants farmers to be aware of the hazard to animals from ash.
Hungry animals grazing short pastures are particularly at risk.
Fluorine is the most toxic and is present in many volcano eruptions. It attaches to the ash and can travel with the wind to farmlands around the volcano.
However rainfall will quickly help reduce the risk as the fluoride in ash is quite soluble.
DairyNZ says any dairy farmers concerned about their animals should:
• Feed good quality feed supplement that has been covered
• Shift animals to long pasture and graze at a low stocking density
• Provide plenty of uncontaminated water
• If conditions are particularly severe consider shifting animals out of the region
Current weather conditions mean that the ash from the eruption is moving eastwards with key regions being the Bay of Plenty and Hawkes Bay. The ash is forecast to move over land out to sea by 6pm this evening.
It is important to keep up to date with information from Civil Defence, particularly via local radio.
If you have any further concerns or need extra advice, please call us on 0800 4 DairyNZ (0800 4 324 7969).
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.
OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.
OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.