Rewarding farmers who embrace sustainability
Winners of DairyNZ’s Sustainability and Stewardship awards in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards have their eyes firmly fixed on progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy.
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.
New Zealand’s major primary industry exporters have secured shipping capability to export $160 billion worth of products over the next 10 years.
The mood in the deer industry is very positive and on an upwards trajectory.
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the Government is always working to ensure that our food exporters are treated fairly under trade agreements signed with other countries.
Coronet Peak, Queenstown, was the venue for the 2024 NZ Dairy Industry Awards.
AgriZeroNZ, the joint venture (JV) fast-tracking emissions reduction tools for Kiwi farmers, is looking to speed up delivery of a methane vaccine with a $10m investment in US ag-biotech start-up, ArkeaBio.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
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