Helping heifers grow
Dairy farmers can easily track the performance of their replacement heifers and ensure they reach their genetic potential.
The Mycoplasma bovis Programme claims to be making good progress towards the eradication of the disease from New Zealand.
The programme was set up in May 2018 in reaction to an outbreak of M. bovis and is jointly funded by the Government, DairyNZ and Beef+Lamb NZ.
All properties in the high-risk area in Wakanui, Mid Canterbury, which is under a Controlled Area Notice (CAN), have now been cleared of cattle. Testing will be underway shortly on the properties in the surrounding area with the CAN on track to be lifted in mid-March.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) says the number of active confirmed properties has decreased. M. bovis programme director Simon Andrew says the current number of confirmed properties is five, compared to 40 at the height of the outbreak. He adds that the programme expects all of the confirmed properties to be cleared within the first half of 2023.
“While this progress is great news for farmers, there is still work to be done before New Zealand can transition to the next stage of the eradication effort, which will primarily focus on bulk tank milk, and beef and drystock cattle surveillance,” he says.
“Over time, this will provide us with the necessary information for us to be confident the country is absent of the disease. It is expected that more infected properties may be identified before this shift.”
Andrew says the programme continues to find instances of poor NAIT practices, which he says is disappointing.
“Good NAIT records mean we can trace animal movements a lot faster, which in turn reduces the residual risk of infection and protects what we’ve all achieved to date.”
The chair of the Dairy Environment Leaders, the president of the North Otago Federated Farmers, and a herd health veterinarian are among those nominated for the Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award this year.
Winners of DairyNZ’s Sustainability and Stewardship awards in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards have their eyes firmly fixed on progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy.
Troubled milk processor Synlait’s co-founder John Penno has stepped down from the board.
Dairy Women's Network has announced the finalists for its Regional Leader of the Year award.
Farmers are being urged to make their veterinarians an integral part of their farm management team.
Animal rights organization, SAFE says the government needs to maintain the ban on live exports.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…