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.
According to Ravensdown's most recent Market Outlook report, a combination of geopolitical movements and volatile market responses are impacting the global fertiliser landscape.
Environment Canterbury, alongside industry partners and a group of farmers, is encouraging farmers to consider composting as an environmentally friendly alternative to offal pits.
A New Zealand dairy industry leader believes the free trade deal announced with India delivers wins for the sector.
The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.

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