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Australian dairy farmers are working with animal rights activists on the industry’s animal welfare credentials. Dairy Australia chief executive Ian Halliday says farmers are “not out of the woods, they’re in the spotlight”.
He told the recent Australian Dairy Conference in Tasmania that farmers will be glad they are not in the greyhound industry. (A recent ABC Four Corners report showed live piglets, possums and rabbits being chased and killed by dogs. It was secretly filmed by Animal Australia at training tracks in Queensland and Victoria.)
Halliday says the dairy industry is not complacent about animal welfare and is telling this to animal rights groups. A lot of work is going on behind the scenes on animal welfare, he told the conference.
“We are not out of the woods; we’re in the spotlight on animal welfare but we’re having a lot of dialogue with animal right groups, to explain that we look after and care for our animals – as an important part of our livelihood.”
Halliday admits the industry still has issues to deal with – induction, tail docking and treatment of bobby calves – but is doing its best. “We will continue looking after animal health and welfare as an industry… it’s always on our mind.”
Halliday predicts farmgate returns will improve by the end of the year. He pointed to a drop in milk output in key markets like New Zealand and Europe.
‘’New Zealand pulled back full year forecasts by 3.5 % compared to the prior year. It has been pretty dry over there. We know Europe was up about 5% last year; it’s down 2% this year.”
“When world prices go towards record levels, every region responds, every dairy region around the world chases that record price. We know New Zealand was up 9% last year, US was up 3% and Europe 5%.”
Australia finished last season only 0.4% up. Halliday puts this down to a tough start to the 2013-14 season.
This year’s national milk volume in Australia will be up 2%. “We are running at 2.6% after a strong start but it has tapered off this summer.”
At the same time consumption in the domestic market remains steady. – Sudesh Kissun
The first major update to the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare in more than a decade has been released, marking what DairyNZ describes as an important step in ensuring animal welfare standards continue to evolve alongside scientific evidence and on-farm realities.
In Dacre, near Invercargill in New Zealand’s South Island, Bruce Dinnington is running a dairy operation unlike any other.
Rural leader Mark Hooper has been appointed as an independent director to the NZPork board, bringing extensive farming, governance and advocacy experience to the role.
Climate, nature and animal wellbeing make up Fonterra's refreshed sustainability roadmap released last week.
B+LNZ's Wormwise veterinarian Mary Bowron has won the Best Sheep and Beef Vet of the Year Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to New Zealand’s sheep and beef sector.
National’s pledge to introduce 19 new national standards shows the party is serious about getting Wellington out of farming, Federated Farmers says.
The National Party’s policies to make it easier to grow fresh vegetables, secure reliable water and energy and simplify farm planning are practical changes that will give growers the confidence to invest, according to Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Fonterra Co-operative Group chief financial officer Andrew Murray has resigned to take up a role outside the dairy giant.
A major move is about to get underway to improve the quality and viability of dairy beef and cattle in NZ.
Veterinarians say changes to the code of welfare for dairy cattle provides a positive foundation for improved cattle welfare across the country.
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.
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