Pig farmers respond to new welfare standards
Pig farmers are cautiously welcoming new animal welfare standards announced by the Government last week.
Following a recent director election, Canterbury farmer Sean Molloy has been appointed to the New Zealand Pork Industry Board.
Molloy, who farms in the Selwyn district, will be a producer representative for NZPork's Region 3, covering the South Island.
Molloy has been elected for the period until 31 July 2028. He replaces Nigel Young, who has stepped down as a director.
NZPork chair Paul Bucknell says Molloy will be a valuable addition to the board.
“Sean’s family have been farming pigs for more than 40 years. He is a strong advocate for the industry and passionate about pig welfare, sustainable farming systems and advancements in technology," Bucknell says.
“We are looking forward to the insights, skills and knowledge he will bring to the board table."
Molloy's Offally Farms at Sheffield is home to 400 breeding sows, with the farm also growing its own barley as feed for the pigs. Effluent from their stock is treated and used as fertiliser on their irrigated land.
The Government is set to announce two new acts to replace the contentious Resource Management Act (RMA) with the Prime Minister hinting that consents required by farmers could reduce by 46%.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change would be “a really dumb move”.
The University of Waikato has broken ground on its new medical school building.
Undoubtedly the doyen of rural culture, always with a wry smile, our favourite ginger ninja, Te Radar, in conjunction with his wife Ruth Spencer, has recently released an enchanting, yet educational read centred around rural New Zealand in one hundred objects.
Farmers are being urged to keep on top of measures to control Cysticerus ovis - or sheep measles - following a spike in infection rates.
The avocado industry is facing an extremely challenging season with all parts of the supply chain, especially growers, being warned to prepare for any eventuality.

OPINION: Your old mate welcomes the proposed changes to local government but notes it drew responses that ranged from the reasonable…
OPINION: A press release from the oxygen thieves running the hot air symposium on climate change, known as COP30, grabbed your…