Tuesday, 30 March 2021 15:38

Foot in mouth

Written by Milking It

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: A mate of Milking It recently opined that Ag Minister Damien O'Connor is a sitter for the moniker 'Minister of Foot in Mouth Disease' after yet another clumsy public statement.

He has now followed this gaffe in a speech he gave at the CD field days - no doubt trying to pander to his farming audience - by kicking tourism while it's down, Covid-19, he said, has taught the tourism industry "not to be so cocky" after it conceded to dairy as our top export earner.

Towns dependent on tourism are dying and need government assistance, not a kick in the guts.

Featured

Fonterra’s exit from Australia ‘a major event’

Fonterra’s impending exit from the Australian dairy industry is a major event but the story doesn’t change too much for farmers.

Massey University and UCD Strengthen Agricultural Research and Teaching Collaboration

Expect greater collaboration between Massey University’s school of Agriculture and Environment and Ireland’s leading agriculture university, the University College of Dublin (UCD), in the future.

Strategic Partnership Targets Value-Added Macadamia Innovation in New Zealand

A partnership between Torere Macadamias Ltd and the Riddet Institute aims to unlock value from macadamia nuts while growing the next generation of Māori agribusiness researchers.

Dairy Women’s Network and NZAgbiz Partner to Deliver Evidence-Based Calf Rearing Practices

A new partnership between Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) and NZAgbiz aims to make evidence-based calf rearing practices accessible to all farm teams.

New Zealand Cherry Season 2026 Overcomes Weather Setbacks as Late Harvest Boosts Export Prospects

Despite some trying circumstances recently, the cherry season looks set to emerge on top of things.

Out with Fonterra, in with Mainland Dairy

Changed logos on shirts otherwise it will be business as usual when Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses are expected to change hands next month.

National

Fonterra confirms timeline for Lactalis deal and $2-per-share capital return

The sale of Fonterra’s global consumer and related businesses is expected to be completed within two months.

Fonterra expands butter production at Clandeboye with $75m investment

Fonterra is boosting its butter production capacity to meet growing demand.

Upper North Island Storms: Limited impact on dairy farms

For the most part, dairy farmers in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Tairawhiti and the Manawatu appear to have not…

South Island dairy production lifts despite stormy summer, feed risks loom

South Island dairy production is up on last year despite an unusually wet, dull and stormy summer, says DairyNZ lower…

Ray Smith: Dairy still has growth potential despite flat export outlook

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in…

Machinery & Products

Stihl unveils centennial MS 500i chainsaw

Most rural properties wouldn’t be without a chainsaw, so it’s fitting to celebrate the centenary of Andreas Stihl inventing the…

New Deutz-Fahr 5105 boosts power for Kiwi livestock farms

With ROPS tractors still being consistently popular in livestock operations, given their ease of use for hopping on and off…

John Deere showcases 130hp E-Power electric tractor prototype at Agritechnica

Easily missed on its expansive Agritechnica site, John Deere offered visitors to the bi-annual event, the first opportunity in Europe to…

Exceed two-wheeled farm motorcycles enter NZ market

In a market already well supplied with agricultural spec’ two-wheeled motorcycles, a new arrival with an aggressive price point is sure…

Merlo Hypercompact Telehandler built for 3500kg towing

Given that most countries who favour the humble ute have maximum braked towing limits of 3500kg, those seeking to use mobile…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Visit archives

Foot in mouth

More like this

Damien O’Connor: NZ united on global trade

Synthetic milk

It's all about economics

Red line on dairy

Farmland security

Popular Reads

Environment Canterbury urges buyers to check wastewater systems on rural properties

Fonterra confirms timeline for Lactalis deal and $2-per-share capital return

Canterbury arable farmers face heavy losses after stormy January wreaks havoc

Northland Field Days promise unforgettable 40th anniversary Celebration

Formula goes sour

Featured

Fonterra’s exit from Australia ‘a major event’

Massey University and UCD Strengthen Agricultural Research and Teaching Collaboration

Strategic Partnership Targets Value-Added Macadamia Innovation in New Zealand

Dairy Women’s Network and NZAgbiz Partner to Deliver Evidence-Based Calf Rearing Practices

New Zealand Cherry Season 2026 Overcomes Weather Setbacks as Late Harvest Boosts Export Prospects

Out with Fonterra, in with Mainland Dairy

National

Fonterra confirms timeline for Lactalis deal and $2-per-share capital return

Fonterra expands butter production at Clandeboye with $75m investment

Upper North Island Storms: Limited impact on dairy farms

South Island dairy production lifts despite stormy summer, feed risks loom

Ray Smith: Dairy still has growth potential despite flat export outlook

Machinery & Products

Stihl unveils centennial MS 500i chainsaw

New Deutz-Fahr 5105 boosts power for Kiwi livestock farms

John Deere showcases 130hp E-Power electric tractor prototype at Agritechnica

Exceed two-wheeled farm motorcycles enter NZ market

Merlo Hypercompact Telehandler built for 3500kg towing

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Battle for milk

Birth woes

» eNewsletter

Foot in mouth

More like this

» Latest Print Issues Online

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter