Green but not much grass!
Dairy farmers in the lower North Island are working on protecting next season, according to Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre, who farms just north of the Horowhenua township of Levin.
Federated Farmers is disappointed to see that SAFE has embarked on an advertising campaign in the UK.
The Feds say the campaign draws attention to the appalling behaviour of what is only a very small number of individuals from within the New Zealand dairy industry and associated industries.
"To do this only days after the Ministry for Primary Industries and seven industry bodies, including Federated Farmers, announced they would work together to ensure that New Zealand's high standard of Animal Welfare codes are adhered to by the full 100% of industry participants makes it clear that SAFE's campaign is not about highlighting any issues, but instead trying to hurt our industry," says Federated Farmers dairy industry chair Andrew Hoggard.
"What has come through loud and clear this week is that most people understand that this is a very small minority and that bobby calves are a reality of dairy farming.
"I think most New Zealanders will join us in being extremely disappointed about SAFE's UK campaign and the damage it is looking to do to an industry that is the backbone of the New Zealand economy and the livelihood of our country's 11,500 dairy farmers and thousands more who work in and support the industry," says Hoggard.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.