Winston's crusade
OPINION: A short-term sugar hit. That's what NZ First leader Winston Peters is calling the proposed sale of Fonterra's consumer and associated businesses.
Fonterra is recalling two batches of butter after the discovery of a fine metal object in the product.
Fonterra Brands (New Zealand) Ltd (FBNZ) is conducting a voluntary recall of:
Mainland Salted Butter 500gm-, best before date of January 10, 2013 (Batch CV12) and
Anchor Salted Butter 500gm-, best before date January 26, 2013 (Batch CV28)
FBNZ managing director Peter McClure says the recall follows two isolated complaints received from consumers who had found a fine metal object in their butter products. There have been no reports of anyone being injured.
"The voluntary recall is a precautionary measure as there can be no compromise when it comes to product quality or the health and safety of our consumers," says McClure.
"We advise anyone with family or friends who may have bought this product to contact them in case they do not see or hear this announcement."
Consumers should not consume the above-stated products but should return them to the point of purchase, with the appropriate packaging (batch code included), for a full refund.
This recall is limited to the above-stated products that are produced and sold in New Zealand and no other FBNZ products are affected.
Food recall notices have been placed in daily newspapers across New Zealand this week and authorities have been notified.
For further information, consumers should call the FBNZ Customer and Consumer Services line: 0800 262 467.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
OPINION: In the past weeks, much has been said and written about one of New Zealand's greatest prime ministers, James Brendan Bolger, who died just a few months after his 90th birthday.

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