Pig farmers respond to new welfare standards
Pig farmers are cautiously welcoming new animal welfare standards announced by the Government last week.
Brent Kleiss has been appointed as the new chief executive of NZPork, the statutory industry body working to support New Zealand’s commercial pig farmers.
Kleiss joined NZPork as policy manager in July 2021, bringing widespread experience in the primary sector to the role.
Prior to his work with NZPork, Kleiss spent 13 years working for the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), most recently as principal advisor – stakeholder and industry engagement for public affairs.
He also acted as chief quarantine officer at MPI for five years.
NZPork chairman Eric Roy says Kleiss is already a familiar face for many in the pork industry and the wider primary sector.
“Since joining NZPork, Brent has impressed us with his skills and strategi insight in a range of areas,” says Roy.
“We look forward to him making a valuable contribution to NZPork, especially as we face significant regulatory reform associated with farrowing crates and mating stalls and the environment.”
Kleiss says he is looking forward to meeting more members of the pork sector.
“I’ve already met a number of our farmers and it’s clear to me how much they care about their animals, their products and their communities. I’m also proud of the opportunity to lead the great team at NZPork,” he says.
Kleiss officially takes on the CEO role on 2 May.
With the current situation in the European farm machinery market being described as difficult at best, it’s perhaps no surprise that the upcoming AgriSIMA 2026 agricultural machinery exhibition, scheduled for February 2026 at Paris-Nord Villepinte, has been cancelled.
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) has launched the first in-market activation of the refreshed Taste Pure Nature country-of-origin brand with an exclusive pop-up restaurant experience in Shanghai.
Jayna Wadsworth, daughter of the late New Zealand wicketkeeper Ken Wadsworth, has launched an auction of cricket memorabilia to raise funds for I Am Hope's youth mental health work.
As we move into the 2025/26 growing season, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that the third quarter results for the year to date is showing that the stagnated tractor market of the last 18 months is showing signs of recovery.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is urging dairy farmers to participate in the 2026 Levy vote, to be held early next year.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling for nominations for director roles in the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island electoral districts.

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