Frontline biosecurity 'untouchable'
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has reiterated that 'frontline' biosecurity services within Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will not be cut under the Government's plan to reduce the public service.
The Government is hailing the efforts of the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) in reducing the death of bobby calves on farm.
Associate Minister of Agriculture responsible for animal welfare Meka Whaitiri says the number of bobby calves that die between the farm gate and the works is now down to 6 calves for every 10,000.
That is a victory for our animal welfare regulations, says Whaitiri.
“This improvement is just great to see and represents a lot of hard work done by MPI and the industry to improve the welfare of bobby calves.
“In 2008 the mortality rate was a depressing 68 calves per 10,000 and that prompted changes in the industry that saw that rate start to fall.’
Regulations were introduced in 2016 and deaths continue to drop every year.
Improvements in the mortality rates show that these regulations, alongside the industry’s own initiatives have made a real difference, says Whaitiri.
“The welfare of calves is a collective responsibility so it’s important that we keep up the good work to make sure calves are treated humanely.”
MPI developed the Animal Welfare (Calves) Regulations and implemented four of them in 2016, with the final three regulations coming into force in 2017.
“I am delighted that there is yet another improvement in the mortality rates around bobby calves but we must remain vigilant,” says Whaitiri.
The Commerce Commission says connectivity options for rural New Zealanders are front-of-mind as it begins a formal investigation into the future of the copper network.
Grand Finalists have been selected, all regional finals have concluded, and the journey towards the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final is underway.
Hopes of NZ sheepmeat prices picking up anytime soon in the country's key export market of China looks highly unlikely.
Regional councils are welcoming the certainty for councils in today’s Resource Management Act (RMA) announcement by the Government.
ASB says the decision to sign on to the AgriZeroNZ joint venture came out of a wish to be a part of the solution.
Federated Farmers says changes announced to the Resource Management Act today mark the end of the war on farming.
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