NZ nears Mycoplasma bovis eradication milestone
A major milestone on New Zealand's unique journey to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis could come before the end of this year.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) says it is helping drought and flood-affected farmers in Canterbury to find alternative grazing for their livestock.
Widespread flooding caused by a one in 200-year rainfall event earlier this month caused significant damage to thousands of hectares across the region.
MPI has allocated $4.5 million to support flood-affected farmers, including providing grants to help repair uninsurable damage to farms.
“I have visited farms where pasture and winter fodder crops have been buried under flood debris,” says MPI director of rural communities and farming support Nick Story.
“This event has been an extremely challenging situation for farmers. The worst affected farms have a need for alternative grazing for their sheep, beef cattle and dairy cows.”
MPI’s national Feed Coordination Service has been expanded to help find grazing, distribute donated feed, and connect people with surplus feed to farmers who need it.
“Our feed coordinators had more than 35 additional requests from flood-affected farmers in the first half of June who need grazing and feed,” says Story.
“It’s likely the worst flood-affected paddocks will be unusable for some time, so we expect demand will increase further as we move through the winter.
“The service is keen to hear from people who may be able to help with grazing, especially those in Otago, Southland or the West Cost.”
Farmers can also receive free support to complete a feed plan to help make crucial decisions about feed this winter and ahead of spring.
“The service helps calculate feed demand and supply, and options to fill feed gaps. Having a feed plan can help give you piece of mind,” says Story.
Anyone with surplus feed or grazing, or farmers who need support to do a feed plan, are encouraged to call 0800 327 646 or register online.
Farmers needing help to clean up can call or register using the details above to enable industry groups to match them with volunteers.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
New Zealand must continue to educate Chinese consumers about the unique qualities of its red meat products and how they differ from competitors, says Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton.
There are opportunities outside the farmgate for young farmers to further develop their skills, says 2025 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award winner Bridie Virbickas.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…