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Room for improvement on Mycoplasma bovis awareness

More than half of sheep and beef farmers have made changes to reduce the risk of their stock becoming infected by Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis).

MPI releases plants seized at border

Apple and stonefruit industry members have welcomed MPI's decision to release the plants from containment.

The Ministry of Primary Industries says it is releasing 20,000 apple plants and 400 stonefruit plants from containment.

NZ strawberries in the clear — growers

New Zealand strawberry growers say there is no evidence to suggest any connection to the food safety scare engulfing Australian growers.

Touring around in comfort

Okay Holden, you’re not fooling anyone with your raised ride height and plastic wheel arches; the Calais-V Tourer is no off-roader.

Communication key to on-farm safety

Use your common sense? Makes sense at first glance, but relying on the common sense of visitors to a farm isn’t enough these days. A far more comprehensive safety induction for visitors such as contractors is advisable, clearly communicating all the various risks on your farm. The bottom line is that both farmer and contractor must evaluate, eliminate or minimise risks if they can do so, and if it is not possible, manage those risks to the extent that they can influence and control the problem. Images courtesy of Gateplates & Signs Ltd, www.gateplates.co.nz

Warmer weather and longer days mark the signs of spring approaching and – with it – the promise of more grass and increased production.

Vets worry about muddy cows

NZVA chief veterinary office Helen Beattie.

The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) is very concerned about the animal welfare consequences of poor practices during winter grazing, says chief veterinary officer Helen Beattie.

The show will go on!

The Canterbury A&P Association has released a list of protocols to enable cattle to be displayed at this year’s show.

The country’s biggest annual A&P show will go ahead with cattle classes this year despite the threat of spreading Mycoplasma bovis.

A good plan for sheep, beef farmers

Ravensdown’s Colin Tyler is urging sheep and beef farmers to implement FEPs.

Environmental compliance is already a common business practice in dairying and horticulture, and now sheep and beef farmers must devise farm environmental plans (FEP) — a daunting prospect for some.