Wednesday, 23 February 2022 12:55

Editorial: Let's get ready for Omicron

Written by  Staff Reporters
It's only a matter of time before a Covid case shows up on-farm. It's only a matter of time before a Covid case shows up on-farm.

OPINION: It' s only a matter of time before a positive case of Covid-19 turns up on-farm.

The question for farmers is, are their business prepared if one does?

Industry groups are urging to have a plan to ensure the farm can continue to operate if the farmer, an employee, or a family member contracts Covid.

The need to self-isolate will bring challenges to farming families and their businesses. If you haven't, now is the time to talk to your family and neighbours about what you would do to continue your operations should you, a team member or a family member contract Covid.

The new fast-moving Omicron presents greater challenges.

A farmer may be required to leave his/her property quickly. The advice is that having a plan will help give you peace of mind that others will be able to step in and help.

Have a plan in the event you are required to leave your property and are unable to look after your animals, staff and business.

DairyNZ encourages farmers to ensure employees get vaccinated, wear a mask and maintain their distance while they work - and stick to well-ventilated or outdoor areas when working with others.

Having two separate bubbles is a great way to be able to maintain farm operations, in the event that there is a case in one bubble. Generally, the other bubble would not be affected as long as there is good ventilation in indoor spaces, with masks worn and fully vaccinated staff.

The Rural Support Trust as been working with district health boards, Ministry of Social Development and Ministry for Primary Industries, with input from various agricultural industries.

According to the Trust, if a farmer or a grower contracts Covid they will be asked by their respective DHB if they would like to be referred to the Trust for support.

The message to farmers is seek this referral. The Trust can tailor support to suit their needs and listen to any concerns they may have. Rural communities will need to come together and support each other as Covid spreads.

They have done this every time the sector faces a natural disaster. It will be the same this time.

Omicron is coming but together the dairy industry can and will ride it out.

More like this

DairyNZ board sets new levy rate

DairyNZ has set a new levy rate of 4.5c/kgMS from 1 June 2025 and aims to keep the levy at no more than this rate for a minimum of three years.

Featured

Farmers urged not to be complacent about TB

New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.

Editorial: Making wool great again

OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.

National

Lame stories from a country vet

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s…

Machinery & Products

Amazone extends hoe range

With many European manufacturers releasing mechanical weeding systems to counter the backlash around the use and possible banning of agrochemicals,…

Gong for NH dealers

New Holland dealers from around Australia and New Zealand came together last month for the Dealer of the Year Awards,…

A true Kiwi ingenuity

The King Cobra raingun continues to have a huge following in the New Zealand market and is also exported to…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Greenpeace a charity?

OPINION: Should Greenpeace be stripped of their charitable status? Farmers say yes.

Synlait's back

OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter