Biosecurity award for M. bovis work
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy met with local farmers near Ashburton yesterday and says that dry conditions are a concern.
"The dry summer may have been good news for holidaymakers but farmers are starting to feel the pinch in South and Mid-Canterbury, North Otago, and Wairarapa.
"Restrictions are in place for some irrigators as water levels drop, and the short term outlook is not showing much rain on the horizon.
"Most farmers I talked to today are managing by de-stocking and using feed supplies, but are hopeful of rain before too long to set them up for winter.
According to Guy, MPI is keeping a close eye on the amount of rainfall, soil moisture levels and river levels and gets good information from people on the ground. However, he says at this stage the Government is not planning to classify this event as a medium-scale adverse event.
"This threshold would be reached when the lack of rainfall has an economic, environmental and social impact on farming businesses and the wider community.
Guy advised farmers to take note of the support services already available from Government agencies in all regions. Farmers can contact the IRD if they need help or flexibility with making tax payments, while Work and Income offer standard hardship assistance.
"I would urge farmers to make use of the good advice and support available from their local Rural Support Trusts. They are doing a great job of coordinating farming communities and providing information," he adds.
"It is a tough situation for many with this coming on top of a lower dairy payout. However, I know that farmers are resilient and have come through many challenges like snowstorms, earthquakes and commodity price fluctuations before."
Animal rights organization, SAFE says the government needs to maintain the ban on live exports.
New findings from not-for-profit food supply and distribution organization, the New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) have revealed a 42% increase in demand for food support in 2023 compared to 2022.
New data released by LIC and DairyNZ shows New Zealand dairy farmers have achieved the highest six week in-calf rate and lowest notin- calf rate on record.
Christchurch City Council and the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association (CAPA) have signed an agreement which will open more of Canterbury Agricultural Park for public use while helping to provide long-term certainty for the A&P Show.
This year’s Fieldays will feature a Rural Advocacy Hub - bringing together various rural organisations who are advocating for farmers and championing their interests as one team, under one roof, for the first time.
ASB head of rural banking Aidan Gent is encouraging farmers to speak to their banks when they are struggling.
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