NZ nears Mycoplasma bovis eradication milestone
A major milestone on New Zealand's unique journey to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis could come before the end of this year.
The Ministry for Primary Industries have published a brochure to help farmers prepare for what could be a drier summer.
MPI minister Nathan Guy says farmers are being urged to prepare for the possible impact of El Nino conditions.
"While every El Nino is different and the impacts on New Zealand can be hard to predict, it often means drier conditions in the north and east, with cooler temperatures and more rain in the west.
"This would not be good for those on the east coast of the South Island who have had a very dry 12 months already and are still officially in drought. That's why it is important to plan and start preparing now."
The brochure's advice includes planning, implementing a feed budget, irrigation, talking to experts, animal care and work/life balance.
"Farmers are resourceful and used to dealing with the challenges thrown up by Mother Nature. The key is to be ready and start preparing now."
The brochure has been prepared with the support of Beef + Lamb NZ, Dairy NZ, Rural Support Trusts, Federated Farmers, Rural Women New Zealand, the New Zealand Bankers Association and the New Zealand Veterinary Association. It is available at www.mpi.govt.nz
A brilliant result and great news for growers and regional economies. That's how horticulture sector leaders are describing the news that sector exports for the year ended June 30 will reach $8.4 billion - an increase of 19% on last year and is forecast to hit close to $10 billion in 2029.
Funding is proving crucial for predator control despite a broken model reliant on the goodwill of volunteers.
A major milestone on New Zealand's unique journey to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis could come before the end of this year.
We're working through it, and we'll get to it.
The debate around New Zealand's future in the Paris Agreement is heating up.
A technical lab manager for Apata, Phoebe Scherer, has won the Bay of Plenty 2025 Young Grower regional title.