NZ red meat sector hits out at US tariff hike
New Zealand's red meat sector says the United States' decision to increase tariffs on New Zealand exports is disappointing.
A new action plan between Australia and New Zealand will see defences against the threat of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) strengthened.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and his Australian counterpart, Senator Joe Ludwig announced the two countries will work more closely together focusing combined defences against the threat of FMD.
"FMD poses one of the single greatest threats to livestock industries and rural communities in New Zealand and Australia. We've estimated that a large outbreak would cost Australia $AUD 16 billion to control," Ludwig says.
"Australia has successfully kept FMD out of the country for more than 130 years. Our countries have committed to work together to develop a trans-Tasman FMD Action Plan to improve preparedness.
"Collaborative government action will help ensure we are both adequately prepared for this disease."
Guy says both countries are extremely aware of the importance of preparing for the threat, given the importance of the agricultural sector to both economies.
"This work will build on the strong relationship we already have through years of working together on animal health and biosecurity issues," Guy says.
"It reflects an on-going commitment to improving our knowledge and preparedness."
Key activities under the joint plan include:
• sharing intelligence on emerging animal health risks facing our region
• developing and improving training activities and FMD detection capabilities, including training in exotic animal disease recognition and participating in joint exercises
• sharing and comparing economic and disease models of FMD to inform management strategies
• collaborating on policy development, approaches and operational plans for vaccination and carcass disposal
• participating in simulation exercises to explore how we could support response efforts in the event of an incursion.
Sheep and beef farmers are urging the Government to do more to stop productive farmland overrun by pine trees.
Auckland’s Eventfinda Stadium saw New Zealand’s top butchers recognized at the National Butchery Awards.
According to the latest Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Stock Number Survey, sheep numbers have fallen by 1% while beef cattle numbers rose by 4.4%.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand says it is seeing strong farmer interest in its newly launched nProve Beef genetics tool, with early feedback and usage insights confirming its value in helping farmers make better breeding decisions and drive genetic improvement in New Zealand's beef herd.
The Innovation Awards at June's National Fieldays showcased several new ideas, alongside previous entries that had reached commercial reality.
To assist the flower industry in reducing waste and drive up demand, Wonky Box has partnered with Burwood to create Wonky Flowers.
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