Bikinis in cowshed
OPINION: An animal activist organisation is calling for an investigation into the use of dairy cows in sexuallly explicit content posted on social media and adult entertainment subscription site OnlyFans.
A recent trip to Iran was very successful, says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.
He says New Zealand had huge opportunity in that market in the 1980s, when Iran took one in every four sheep we exported -- about 90,000 tonnes.
But for various reasons, such as bureaucracy and tariff barriers, that market closed to us in the 1990s.
A veterinary agreement has been signed that paves the way for our processors and exporters to “reach out to an importer in the country to get our red meat flowing again,” Guy says.
“Several companies are very excited about getting some product on the water before the end of this season.”
Guy says internationally we are seeing more protectionism. President Donald Trump has done what he said he would do on the campaign trail and not be a part of the Trans Pacific Partnership.
However, the Government believes there is potential to revive it with the other 11 countries.
“Brexit is also a challenge and that has taken the lamb price down by about $10 on average for each carcase because the exchange rate has gone against us. These are two areas we need to watch closely.”
Guy says the new trade strategy will be focused on the free trade agreements, more bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements and a focus on non-tariff barriers.
“These are what I call ‘itches’, but they are financial itches for our exporters.”
The government also wants to look at its overall trade strategy.
“Have we got the right people with the right skills in the right markets? Where are the new emerging markets where we need to do more?”
Guy was travelling to Europe last week, including Ireland where discussions on the Origin Green concept will be on the agenda.
Two butcheries have claimed victory at the 100% New Zealand Bacon & Ham Awards for 2025.
A Taupiri farming company has been convicted and fined $52,500 in the Hamilton District Court for the unlawful discharge of dairy effluent into the environment.
The Climate Change Commission’s 2025 emissions reduction monitoring report reveals steady progress on the reduction of New Zealand’s climate pollution.
Another milestone has been reached in the fight against Mycoplasma bovis with the compensation assistance service being wound up after helping more than 1300 farmers.
The Government’s directive for state farmer Landcorp Farming (trading as Pamu) to lifts its performance is yielding results.
The move to bring bovine TB testing in-house at Ospri officially started this month, as a team of 37 skilled and experienced technicians begin work with the disease eradication agency.
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