Keeping cyber attacks at bay
Fonterra says it takes the ongoing threat of 'adverse cyber action' extremely seriously.
A small number of farms in Hawke’s Bay have been forced to dry off cows because Fonterra tankers are unable to pick their milk.
Anne Douglas, group director of Fonterra-owned Farm Source told Rural News that damaged roads and bridges have cut off tanker access to these farms.
“Collections are largely back on track, however a small number of farms in Hawke’s Bay have had to dry off as our tankers cannot access them due to damage to roads and bridges,” says Douglas.
“We continue to helicopter our people in to cut-off areas to provide assistance.
“Our focus is on establishing lines of communication with our farmer shareholders in the hardest hit areas so that we can stay connected, understand what they need and help coordinate recovery efforts.”
Fonterra is working closely with local industry bodies and representatives to co-ordinate support on the ground where needed as they always do when adverse weather strikes.
Local Farm Source teams have been reaching out to farmers to check in on them, and reminding farmers that they can call its 24/7 Farmer Support Team to get any on-farm support they may need.
Farmers have also been encouraged to contact the Rural Support Trust if they feel like they’re struggling.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
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