increase font size
Federated Farmers Sharemilkers Chairperson Richard McIntyre.
Federated Farmers contracts are being updated to include provisions for sharemilkers and sharemilker farm owners to develop a farm biosecurity plan.
A viable sharemilking industry has long been a key part of the vibrancy and innovation of the dairy industry, says Federation’s Sharemilker Farm Owners Chairperson Tony Wilding.
“With the Mycoplasma bovis incursion, and the decision to try and eradicate the disease, "an extra challenge has been put in front of us," he says.
A biosecurity plan has in the past been sensible business practice under the sharemilker/farm owner model, now it’s an imperative, he says.
Federated Farmers Sharemilkers Chairperson Richard McIntyre says there is plenty of advice on the Dairy NZ website ( https://www.dairynz.co.nz/animal/cow-health/mycoplasma-bovis/) , including the kinds of questions that need to be asked if new stock is coming onto the farm.
"But there should also be discussion about how the farm will function in the medium and longer term from a biosecurity perspective.
"Even relatively simple stuff should be in the plan. For example, if you or a neighbour intends grazing stock in paddocks where there is a boundary fence, you could send them a text. One of you can then put up a break fence to keep herds from direct contact.
"Another example - there should be agreement about service bulls. Will the farm be all AI or will it get service bulls from a farm that fits ‘x’ and ‘y’ biosecurity requirements, such as a closed Hereford breeding operation, or an operation that does not bring in dairy beef. Or do the two parties agree that’s not particularly important."
The advice on the DairyNZ page can be used as a conversation starter and checklist.
"Good due diligence by both parties, and a robust biosecurity plan, will underpin a continuing, viable sharemilking industry," McIntyre says.
OPINION: Recent media commentary from Southland Federated Farmers has raised concerns among our rural communities, particularly around Environment Southland’s approach to winter grazing inspections and nitrogen reporting. But let’s be clear, much of what’s been said simply doesn’t reflect reality.
OPINION: Environment Canterbury's (ECan) decision recently to declare a so-called “nitrate emergency” is laughable.
A shameless political stunt is how Federated Farmers is describing the Canterbury Regional Council decision to declare “a nitrate emergency” on the back of its latest annual groundwater quality survey.
Federated Farmers say Environment Canterbury's decision to declare a 'nitrate emergency' is a shameless political stunt that won't help anyone.
Farmers want the Government to scrap controversial freshwater rules that "put river spirits and ideology ahead of practical water use", says Federated Farmers board member Mark Hooper.
The Government has announced it has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research.
A group of Kiwi farmers are urging Alliance farmer-shareholders to vote against a deal that would see the red meat co-operative sell approximately $270 million in shares to Ireland's Dawn Meats.
In a few hundred words it's impossible to adequately describe the outstanding contribution that James Brendan Bolger made to New Zealand since he first entered politics in 1972.
Dawn Meats is set to increase its proposed investment in Alliance Group by up to $25 million following stronger than forecast year-end results by Alliance.
A day after the ouster of PGG Wrightson’s chair and his deputy, the listed rural trader’s board has appointed John Nichol as the new independent chair.
The iconic services building at National Fieldays' Mystery Creek site will be demolished to make way for a "contemporary replacement that better serves the needs of both the community and event organisers," says board chair Jenni Vernon.
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.
