increase font size
A farm CEO has been fined for failing to register 820 animals on his farms.
The chief executive of a large Waikato farm business has been fined a total of $3,600 for four charges related to a failure to register 820 animals under the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme.
Kim Phillip Robinson is chief executive of Lochiel Farmlands Limited and responsible for the registration of the animals.
The farm manages approximately 3,000 cattle as dry stock with its main operations being as a breeder and finisher of stock.
Robinson appeared for sentencing before the Pukekohe District Court on 3 May 2021.
MPI regional manager animal welfare and NAIT compliance, Brendon Mikkelsen says the NAIT system is critical to MPI’s ability to respond quickly in the event of biosecurity outbreaks.
“It allows us to track and trace animals that might be moving between farms or to meat processors so we can quickly understand and deal with biosecurity threats which can have a devastating impact on the rural communities and the wider economy,” Mikkelsen says.
“Despite previously being reminded of his obligations and being registered as the person in charge of the NAIT animals since 2012 at Lochiel Farmlands Limited, Mr Robinson failed to play his part to protect New Zealand’s biosecurity.”
Robinson’s offending came to light through an analysis of the NAIT database.
“He moved 820 unregistered NAIT animals off Lochiel Farmlands Limited to four meat processing facilities between February and early November 2019.
“Most people in charge of animals understand what is at stake and ensure they’ve registered NAIT animals. For those who don’t, our message is that non-compliance will be found and dealt with,” Mikkelsen says.
He adds that it is particularly important that farmers remember their NAIT responsibilities when moving animals to other locations.
“We encourage people to talk to their farm advisors, or make contact with OSPRI or their industry organisations for support.
“MPI has processes in place that will alert NAIT officers if NAIT animals have not been registered – or if they have been moved without this being recorded in the NAIT system. MPI utilises this system every day, not just on moving day,” Mikkelsen says.
Robinson was also ordered to pay $130 in court costs.
Horticulture Minister Nicola Grigg says she takes her hat off to all NZ growers for the hard yards they have put in over the last few years which have resulted in horticulture exports expected to reach the milestone of $8 billion this year.
An Auckland woman has been fined $25,245 and an Auckland man has been ordered to do 300 hours of community service for the illegal slaughter and sales of pigs.
The first phase of a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) investigation into allegations of mistreatment of sheep connected to shearing practices has been completed.
The ongoing rise of the Chinese middle class will drag up demand for New Zealand products there in the future.
A Nelson lifestyle block owner has been fined $4,200 after she failed to treat a cow suffering from severe cancer eye.
Now is not the time to stop incorporating plantain into dairy pasture systems to reduce nitrogen (N) loss, says Agricom Australasia brand manager Mark Brown.
Building on the success of last year's events, the opportunity to attend People Expos is back for 2025, offering farmers the chance to be inspired and gain more tips and insights for their toolkits to support their people on farm.
Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser SustaiN – which contains a urease inhibitor that reduces the amount of ammonia released to the air – has now been registered by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). It is the first fertiliser in New Zealand to achieve this status.
Precision application of nitrogen can improve yields, but the costs of testing currently outweigh improved returns, according to new research from Plant and Food Research, MPI and Ravensdown.
Professionals in South Waikato are succeeding in governance, thanks to a governance mentoring programme for South Waikato.
Timpack, one of New Zealand's largest wooden pallet and bin manufacturers, has been rewarded an exclusive contract to supply Fonterra.
OPINION: Henry Dimbleby, author of the UK's Food Strategy, recently told the BBC: "Meat production is about 85% of our…
OPINION: For the last few weeks, we've witnessed a parade of complaints about New Zealand's school lunch program: 'It's arriving…
