Handling sheep with care
I wrote an article in the May 6th issue of Rural News about how when set-stocking ewes for lambing, they need spreading lightly - and topped up with cattle after the lambs have dropped.
The two associations representing NZ's crop protection and animal health industries will merge this month.
Agcarm (formerly known as the Agricultural Chemical and Animal Remedy Manufacturers' Association) and the Animal Remedies and Plant Protection Association (ARPPA) will join forces to become a single united industry voice named the Animal and Plant Health Association of New Zealand Inc. - abbreviated to Animal and Plant Health New Zealand.
The new body will represent more than 90% of New Zealand's animal health and crop protection manufacturers - a $1-billion industry. It will also include rural retailer businesses and associate members.
"By joining together, we have one united industry voice representing our members to government, consuers and other stakeholders," says Agcarm president Gavin Kerr.
"It's an exciting and challenging time for our industry and the right time to unite and strengthen our voice." adds Kerr. He is referring to the impacts of Covid-19 and the increasingly complex challenges of supply chains and new regulations.
ARPPA chair Ed Catherwood says that his members voted unanimously to join with Agcarm.
"This merger is a fitting tribute to the late Colin Harvey, a long time ARPPA chairman and renowned industry veteran, who advocated for this merger," he adds.
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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