Better hoof health, better cows
The fledgling New Zealand hoof trimming industry has about between 25 to 30 active professional hoof trimmers.
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.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.