Australian states embrace virtual fencing, creating growth opportunities for Halter
More Australian states are embracing virtual fencing technology, opening growth opportunities for Kiwi companies like Halter.
New Zealand strawberry growers say there is no evidence to suggest any connection to the food safety scare engulfing Australian growers.
They say needles found in Australian strawberries in an Auckland Countdown store on Saturday, was an “Australian strawberry issue”.
Several batches of strawberries in Australia have also been found with needles in recent weeks.
Strawberry Growers New Zealand executive manager Michael Ahern says while this is naturally of concern to their industry, this is an Australian strawberry issue and there is no evidence to suggest any connection to New Zealand-grown strawberries.
He says New Zealand strawberries are ripening nicely with the approach of warmer spring weather.
"While we have a heightened awareness of the issues, there is absolutely no reason to think New Zealand strawberries will be targeted."
The structure of the New Zealand strawberry industry is based around family farms and hands-on owner operators. Some of these operations go back more than two generations and have strong local connections. The New Zealand public can trust and rely on the diligence of such growers, everyday New Zealanders, to deliver produce and deliver safe food.
"The biggest issue reported by strawberry growers right now is supply. We just need a bit more sunshine, daylight and warmth, and we will be underway to providing that traditionally positive feeling associated with New Zealand strawberries that summer and Christmas must be coming.
If people are genuinely worried, our advice is that they should cut the strawberries before eating, to provide absolute confidence."
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
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