DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ wrap up M. bovis compensation support after $161M in claims
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
The farm suspected of being the likely source of the country’s Mycoplasma bovis outbreak is facing charges related to the importation of farm machinery.
It has been revealed that Southern Centre Dairies, near Winton, Southland, and its owner Alfons Zeestraten have been charged by the Ministry for Primary Industries.
Animal tracing from all known infections is believed to point to Southern Centre Dairies as the likely epicentre of the M. bovis outbreak. But the charges do not relate to the disease.
Law firm Chapman Tripp said in a statement signed by partner Garth Galloway that it is acting for Southern Centre Dairies.
“We confirm that charges relating to the importation of farm equipment in January 2018 this year have been laid by the Ministry for Primary Industries against the company and Mr Alfons Zeestraten as a director.
“MPI has confirmed the charges do not relate to the recent outbreak of Mycoplasma bovis discovered in New Zealand in July 2017.
“At this stage no further comment will be made while the matter is before the courts.”
A spokesperson for MPI also confirmed that the charges did not relate to M. bovis. “The matter is before the courts and we won’t be making any further comment.”
Stuff has reported that the charges will be called in the Invercargill District Court in November.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Minister Winston Peters is ratcheting up pressure on Fonterra farmers as they vote on divesting the co-operative’s consumer and related businesses.
Alliance Group's Pure South Handpicked 55 Day Aged Beef has been recognised on the world stage, securing top honours at the World Steak Challenge in the Netherlands.
Meat co-operative, Alliance has met with a group of farmer shareholders, who oppose the sale of a controlling stake in the co-op to Irish company Dawn Meats.
Rollovers of quad bikes or ATVs towing calf milk trailers have typically prompted a Safety Alert from Safer Farms, the industry-led organisation dedicated to fostering a safer farming culture across New Zealand.
The Government has announced it has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research.
A group of Kiwi farmers are urging Alliance farmer-shareholders to vote against a deal that would see the red meat co-operative sell approximately $270 million in shares to Ireland's Dawn Meats.
OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…