Lower North Island farmers “cautiously optimistic” heading into winter – DairyNZ
Cautiously optimistic is how DairyNZ's regional manager for the lower North Island, Mark Laurence describes the mood of farmers in his patch.
The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) says it is addressing concerns about the long-term housing of dairy cattle.
NAWAC is seeking public consultation on proposed changes to the Animal Welfare (Dairy Cattle) Code of Welfare 2010.
NAWAC chair Dr John Hellström says that off-pasture management systems for dairy cattle, including purpose-built housing, are becoming increasingly common in New Zealand.
"Farmers are already seeing the benefits of these systems in effluent management, feed intake monitoring, winter shelter and pasture protection. However, facilities have to be designed and managed with the welfare of the animals in mind," says Hellström.
Key proposed amendments to the code include a new section to address behavioural needs for all dairy cattle - where NAWAC considers that the behavioural requirements for cattle kept on pasture are the same as those for dairy cattle kept in off-pasture management systems; and Sections 4.4 Stand-off Area and Feed pads and 4.5 Housing cows and calves are removed.
This review was based on a substantive animal welfare risk assessment of off-pasture management systems in the New Zealand dairy industry.NAWAC worked with dairying, science and veterinary experts on the proposed changes to ensure the animal welfare needs of cattle are met when farmers are considering these systems.
"We expect a lot of interest on this issue. It's important that people express their views on these proposals so that we can ensure any new minimum standards reflect not only best practice, but also New Zealand's animal welfare expectations," says Hellström.
For information on making submissions, visit the MPI website:
http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/biosec/consult
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.

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