Help available for flood-hit farmers
The chair of the Otago Rural Support Trust, Tom Pinckney, says he believes that they will be especially busy in the coming months as the enormity of the floods hit home.
Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) has searched three locations as part of an investigation associated with the Mycoplasma bovis response.
The searches were conducted in both the North and South islands.
MPI manager compliance Investigations, Gary Orr, says the searches, carried out by warranted officers, related to potential breaches of legislation related to the M Bovis response.
“We recognise there is strong interest in the rural sector concerning how Mycoplasma bovis may have entered New Zealand,” says Orr.
“We will ensure the outcome of these investigations is communicated to farmers as soon as we are able to provide that information,” he says.
MPI is unable to provide substantive comment while investigations continue.
Fonterra’s board has been reduced to nine - comprising six farmer-elected and three appointed directors.
Five hunting-related shootings this year is prompting a call to review firearm safety training for licencing.
The horticulture sector is a big winner from recent free trade deals sealed with the Gulf states, says Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg.
Fonterra shareholders are concerned with a further decline in the co-op’s share of milk collected in New Zealand.
A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.
Free workshops focused on managing risk in sharefarming got underway last week.
OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.
OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.