Six Priorities to Unlock Growth
OPINION: Dairy farmers know better than anyone that change is constant.
An overwhelming response to a sheep welfare survey of farmers, scientists and consumers shows animal wellbeing is of utmost importance to the Australian sheep industry, says Australia’s Sheep CRC.
“This survey is a first step to improve our knowledge in this area and to identify new methods to improve wellbeing standards on Australian farms,” says Sheep CRC chief executive James Rowe.
“Sheep producers genuinely care for the health and wellbeing of their animals and invest heavily in farm management practices, but protecting animals from threats to their health and wellbeing in extensive operating environments remains a major logistical challenge.”
The survey, which received 1530 responses, was run by the Animal Welfare Science Centre, Sheep CRC, University of Melbourne and Meat and Livestock Australia.
The CRC’s animal wellbeing programme aims to develop new risk management information, automated animal monitoring and data management systems to support pro-active management decisions. Data from the survey will fine-tune the work.
“Further improving wellbeing standards will require a big spend, which the industry is making to ensure Australian sheep are provided with enhanced levels of care and protection,” says Rowe.
OPINION: The time has come for the Government to back the organic sector.
Plan ahead and be patient. That’s the message to farmers and horticulturalists from the chairman of the NZ Agricultural Aviation Association, Kent Weir.
The industry is crying out for graduates with agricultural related degrees.
While GPS and guidance have become the norm and yield mapping and variable application continues to gain traction, most agricultural machinery manufacturers continue to expand their technology offerings, amalgamating the vast amounts of data being collected to streamline real-time and ongoing management decisions.
Supply chain problems, growing protectionism and a move to greater food security are some of the key challenges facing New Zealand exporters, according to our top trade negotiator, Vangelis Vitalis.
A spat within the ranks of the New Zealand Deer Farmers Association has resulted in the suspension of outspoken North Canterbury farmer Barry Cuttance.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…