PETA wants web cams in shearing sheds
Animal rights protest group PETA is calling for Agriculture Minister Todd McClay to introduce legislation which would make it mandatory to have live-streaming web cameras in all New Zealand shearing shed.
A new calf trailer, from Mid Canterbury manufacturer Plucks, claims to improve calf welfare during transport, particularly with regards to injury and risk of infection.
Designed by Tasmanian dairy farmers with veterinary input and licensed for New Zealand manufacture, the Benic Calf Trailer is available in 10 or 15 calf capacities. The design takes the form of a sling and cradle system that works with an overhead track, all mounted on a low-level single axle trailer.
During collection, calves are fitted quickly with a webbing sling, that is lifted onto a roller track that allows the animal to be easily moved forward. Once on the trailer, calves are supported between a tubular steel cradle and a neck brace.
Compared to open cage type trailers, where calves can easily fall over and injure themselves, while trying to stand on unsteady legs, the specialised trailer holds animals securely in an upright position, where they ae kept clean and comfortable. Additionally, the format reduces the transmission of infection from the navel area, while also helping to reduce wind-chill by way of a substantial front headboard.
With a total mass of 525 and 700kgs respectively, the BCT 10 and BCT 15 units are easily towed by a suitable ATV or side by side vehicle, while the low loading height makes for easy, one-person operation, even for those who are vertically challenged.
Meat co-operative, Alliance has met with a group of farmer shareholders, who oppose the sale of a controlling stake in the co-op to Irish company Dawn Meats.
Rollovers of quad bikes or ATVs towing calf milk trailers have typically prompted a Safety Alert from Safer Farms, the industry-led organisation dedicated to fostering a safer farming culture across New Zealand.
The Government has announced it has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research.
A group of Kiwi farmers are urging Alliance farmer-shareholders to vote against a deal that would see the red meat co-operative sell approximately $270 million in shares to Ireland's Dawn Meats.
In a few hundred words it's impossible to adequately describe the outstanding contribution that James Brendan Bolger made to New Zealand since he first entered politics in 1972.
Dawn Meats is set to increase its proposed investment in Alliance Group by up to $25 million following stronger than forecast year-end results by Alliance.
OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.
OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.