Make vets part of your management team
Farmers are being urged to make their veterinarians an integral part of their farm management team.
A former contract milker has been banned from working in the dairy industry for 12 months for ramming a dairy cow with a quad bike, causing it severe pain and distress.
Christopher Mark Bennett, 56, was working on a farm in Raglan when the abuse occurred in November 2014.
Bennett had been rounding up stock when he rammed a difficult cow that was in full milk, with his quad bike at least twice.
The Ministry for Primary Industries began an investigation after witnesses, who were horse-riding on the farm, reported the incident.
MPI investigations manager, Simon Anderson, says offending of this nature is unacceptable.
"The Animal Welfare Act exists to protect animals from this sort of abuse.
"There is never an excuse for ill-treatment of animals. MPI takes any reports of abuse very seriously. If we find evidence that warrants charges being laid, we will prosecute."
Bennett was convicted and sentenced to 125 hours community work and disqualified from working in the dairy industry for 12 months when he appeared in the Hamilton District Court on July 29.
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.