Make vets part of your management team
Farmers are being urged to make their veterinarians an integral part of their farm management team.
An all-day hui, to discuss the priorities of the country’s animal welfare groups, has been called for next month by the Associate Minister of Agriculture the Meka Whaitiri.
The hui in Auckland aims to follow up on a promise made by Whaitiri after she announced Government policy not to ban rodeos in March.
Whaitiri says she’s keen to hear the views and priorities of the country’s animal advocates on issues on everything from the care of pigs to welfare issues around pets.
“I want everything to be on the table for discussion. I also want this to be a chance for our animal advocates to hear from spokespeople for our Government partners the Greens and New Zealand First.
“This year I have already moved to strengthen the protections for our animals with a raft of new regulations that covered everything from banning fireworks at rodeos to tightening the controls on how stock are transported to slaughter plants. These regulations have already been welcomed by many.
“I have also supported the work of my advisory group NAWAC in their investigation into the role of animals in entertainment.”
Whaitiri says as the dedicated animal welfare minister in this Government she wants to better outcomes for animals.
This goes to the heart of our international reputation as one of the world leaders for animal welfare outcomes in farming systems, she adds.
“It will be up to the hui on June 8 to decide what they think are the really important issues that we need to develop and debate in the coming years,” says Whaitiri.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.