Resistant pests a global problem for ag sector
A major global challenge for the agricultural industry is pesticide resistance. A resulting loss of pesticide options can be costly and environmentally harmful.
A new pesticide to combat parasitic worms in carrots, kumara, parsnips, and potatoes has been approved for use in New Zealand.
Plant-parasitic worms, or nematodes, are considered a major risk to root vegetables, with producers sometimes experiencing complete crop failure from the damage they cause.
The applicant, Adama New Zealand Limited, says it’s product Nimlitz will be an important tool to ensure the economic viability of these crops.
“EPA staff conducted comprehensive risk assessments and found the risks to people and the environment to be negligible, with appropriate rules in place,” says Dr Lauren Fleury, hazardous substances applications manager.
“Nimlitz is restricted to commercial use by professionals, and is a less hazardous alternative to fenamiphos-containing substances that are currently used. It will help reduce risks to workers, the soil, and the environment.”
The product contains the active ingredient fluensulfone, which is new to New Zealand but has been approved for use in various countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, the United States, India and Brazil.
Questions are being raised about just how good the state of the dairy industry is - especially given that the average farmgate payout for the coming season is set to exceed $10/kgMS.
A leading financial and banking advisor says he doubts if most dairy farmers fully understand the dynamics of banking.
Dairy farmers are shoring up their balance sheets, with almost $1.7 billion of debt repaid in the six months to March 2025.
Virtual fencing company Halter is going global but for founder Craig Piggott, New Zealand farmers will always remain their main partners.
A former Fonterra executive is the new chair of the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ).
New Federated Farmers national dairy chair Karl Dean is looking forward to tackling the issues facing the sector.
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