Strong uptake of good wintering practices
DairyNZ has seen a significant increase in the number of farmers improving their wintering practices, which results in a higher standard of animal care and environmental protection.
It would appear that the industry has been reluctant to go ahead with the He Waka Eke Noa consultation because of Covid and have felt heavily pressured to do this, against their better judgement.
B+LNZ and DairyNZ have asked the Government for an extension of time, but as Dairy News went to press, 'silence was the stern reply' from the Beehive.
It is acknowledged by industry that the timelines for the consultation are enshrined in legislation, but they point out that, in the past, this hasn't stopped the Government changing its mind when it suits them.
Some industry insiders say that the stubbornness of government to postpone the consultation is 'political' with claims the 'green' elements in Parliament are being appeased at the expense of the rural sector. There are also claims that the call for postponement is just another case of the primary sector 'dragging the chain' - a claim strongly refuted by industry sources.
The clear view of the industry is that the consultation should be stopped in its tracks rather than putting the lives of farmers and their families at risk by effectively forcing them to attend the workshops. 'Attending' online is regarded by many as unsatisfactory.
Tim Mackle says DairyNZ is monitoring the Covid situation on a daily basis both in the lead-up to the roadshow, and every day it takes place, to make sure people's lives are not at risk. Therefore ther is still a chance the whole show will be off the road.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the relationship between New Zealand and the US will remain strong and enduring irrespective of changing administrations.
More than 200 people turned out on Thursday, November 21 to see what progress has been made on one of NZ's biggest and most comprehensive agriculture research programmes on regenerative agriculture.
The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) says securing more China label registrations and developing its own nutritional manufacturing capability are high on its agenda.
Stellar speakers, top-notch trade sites, innovation, technology and connections are all on offer at the 2025 East Coast Farming Expo being once again hosted in Wairoa in February.
As a guest of the Italian Trade Association, Rural News Group Machinery Editor Mark Daniel took the opportunity to make an early November dash to Bologna to the 46th EIMA exhibition.
Livestock can be bred for lower methane emissions while also improving productivity at a rate greater than what the industry is currently achieving, research has shown.
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.