Bikinis in cowshed
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The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is launching an investigation into Farmwatch footage featuring bobby calves being dropped, dragged and thrown.
MPI manager compliance operations, Gary Orr, says the footage, that was filmed covertly, warrants a full investigation.
"Throwing, dropping and dragging calves in the way the video shows is unacceptable.
"The behaviour we have seen is deeply disappointing given that MPI and industry have worked very hard to promote best practice in animal welfare, in every part of the bobby calf supply chain, leading into this bobby calf season.
"We have been actively doing this for some time and, in collaboration with industry, introduced new, strengthened regulations covering the welfare of bobby calves in August this year. The regulations are part of a widespread suite of initiatives including education programmes endorsed and promoted by industry.
“This activity has had some positive benefits and we have seen improved behaviour and handling throughout the season – which makes the actions of the individuals captured in this footage even more disappointing.
"Additional regulations to safeguard the welfare of bobby calves will be introduced prior to bobby calf season next year.
"MPI takes any form of animal abuse seriously. Bobby calf welfare is a matter of collective responsibility and that includes Farmwatch coming to the party and letting us know as soon as they have evidence of ill-treatment.
"When we have evidence of ill-treatment, we investigate thoroughly. If further action is warranted, we will take it.”
Orr says MPI acted swiftly after receiving footage of bobby calf abuse in 2015. MPI launched an investigation immediately. That inquiry resulted in a prosecution and subsequent conviction for bobby calf abuse. Another related matter is before the courts.
In addition, MPI has a number of live prosecutions related to the current bobby calf season.
New Zealand milk production is off to a strong start, with the first month of the 2025/26 dairy season recording a whopping 17.8% jump in milk production, compared to the previous season.
With adverse weather set to rain down on the Top of the South, the Bay of Plenty and parts of Northland, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says farmers, foresters, and growers need to prepare for possible challenges.
Keep up with innovation and e-commerce in China or risk losing market share. That was the message delivered at the China Business Summit in Auckland this month.
Meat Industry Association (MIA) independent chair Nathan Guy says getting meat processors involved has been a shot in the arm for the sector's key marketing initiative into China, Taste Pure Nature.
Listed carpet manufacturer, Bremworth is undertaking a $6 million expansion at its Napier plant more than two years after the site was heavily damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Federated Farmers is vowing to keep the big banks accountable for their actions and to continue pushing for meaningful change in the rural lending sector.
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