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New approach on animal welfare

Government MPs Meka Whaitiri, Gareth Hughes and Mark Patterson at the recent Animal Welfare Advocate Hui held in South Auckland.

A new Framework for Action on Animal Welfare released last month sets out a better approach, says Associate Agriculture Minister Meka Whaitiri.

Farm in the middle of Auckland wins prestigious beef award

Visitors walk freely among the Simmental cattle at Auckland’s Cornwall Park Farm.

The four million people who annually visit the idyllic Cornwall Park Farm in central Auckland are now seeing some of the best-farmed livestock in New Zealand.

Sniffing out a new industry

Winter is the truffle harvesting season for Gavin Hulley and his truffle-hunting dog Sophie, an eight-year-old poodle-spaniel cross. Gavin runs the 2ha Amuri Truffiere at Waikari in North Canterbury, primarily servicing some of Christchurch’s high-end restaurants.

At up to $250 retail for a well-shaped 80-90g black perigord truffle, growing the gourmet delicacy has its obvious rewards.

Jerseys grow well

The perception needs to change of Jersey growth rates and finishing times, says Whangarei Heads dairy farmer Murray Jagger.

Dairy farmers' profitable sideline

Whangarei Heads-based farmers Murray and Helen Jagger.

The jersey-cross beef business at his Whangarei Heads dairy farm is a sideline – but it is a valuable sideline, says Murray Jagger.

Can grass-fed Wagyu beef become a new health food?

AgResearch senior scientist Matthew Barnett serving up Waygu treats to the punters at this year’s National Fieldays.

A three-year research project to try to discover whether grass-fed Wagyu beef has significant health benefits is in its final stages.

Zero to hero in agriculture’s chase for carbon neutrality

The current political climate has increased the emphasis in the media on how New Zealand will meet its international climate change commitments.

Precedent setting? — Editorial

The decision has huge implications for future biosecurity outbreaks.

The recent High Court ruling that the Crown was negligent and breached its duty of care to kiwifruit growers affected by the damaging Psa disease a decade ago has huge implications for future biosecurity outbreaks.

Mycoplasma bovis weighs down farmer confidence

Concerns about the impact of Mycoplasma bovis on the agriculture sector have seen New Zealand farmer confidence decline over the past quarter, the latest Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey shows.

Copycat

Your canine crusader reckons Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor’s half-a-million-dollar-a-year white elephant – the Primary Industry Council (PIC) – is not only a huge waste of money but not even an original idea.