Crazy
OPINION: Your canine crusader was truly impressed by the almost unanimous support given by politicians of all stripes in Parliament to the recent passing of legislation for the NZ/EU free trade deal.
Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa (VAWA) is unhappy about National's proposal to reinstate live animal exports if it became the government.
The collective, while it calls itself 'veterinarians', includes other non-vets such as animal welfare advocates, animal welfare scientists, and other non-veterinary and body corporate members. Founding members include Bryce Johnson, former head of Fish and Game, and ecologist Mike Joy. It was established in 2022 to provide a science-based animal welfare advocacy voice.
Group spokesperson and veterinarian Dr Helen Beattie says animal welfare is not political, it is scientific and as such should not be used as a vote-chasing, political football. She says it's disappointing to hear that National would consider reinstating livestock exports.
Beattie says it's especially disappointing given that several National Party MPs sat in on the select committee hearing where a harrowing description was given of animals' experiences during livestock export.
"Irrespective of vessels being purpose built, animals would still be subjected to sea journeys of up to three weeks and a journey across the equator. Managing cattle welfare in these circumstances while maintaining an economically viable model would be extremely difficult and for that reason could never be classed as 'gold standard'," she says.
Beattie says she's also concerned about some of National's plans around winter grazing rules. She says there is also a significant and historically unacceptable animal welfare aspect to winter grazing.
OPINION: The recent Federated Farmers / Rabobank 2024 Farming Salaries Report revealed strong growth in farm salaries over the past two years.
The low unemployment environment is one of the key factors driving on-farm salaries higher over the past 24 months, says Rabobank general manager for country banking Bruce Weir.
Fonterra has appointed a new chief financial officer, seven months after its last CFO’s shock resignation.
A seminar on rural dispute resolution has been organised at Lincoln University, Christchurch this month.
The legacy of Dr Peter Snow continues to inspire as the recipients of the 2023 and 2024 Peter Snow Memorial Awards were announced at the recent National Rural Health Conference.
One of Fonterra’s global customers, Mars is launching an ambitious sustainable dairy plan to work with dairy farmers and cut emissions by 50%.