Serratia-linked Mastitis a wake-up call for Waikato farmer
Waikato farmer Craig Clausen had an unpleasant experience after an outbreak of mastitis cases on farm, suspected to be caused by the pathogen Serratia.
DairyNZ advises Waikato farmers on high risk soils to seek early support in light of the Waikato Regional Council's new effluent compliance monitoring process.
Development project manager for effluent, Dr Theresa Wilson, says farmers will now consider how the changes may impact them so they can prepare for the season.
"Nationally, farmers lowered the level of significant non-compliance below 10% for the first time, which is a good achievement and we're keen to see this trend continue.
"The way Waikato Regional Council process is supporting the Farm Dairy Effluent Standards and Code of Practice for system design, should also give farmers some of the clarity they have been asking for," she says.
"It's reassuring that the council will refer farmers who need support to people with demonstrated skills – the accredited effluent design companies. We have done a lot of work to lift standards and the quality of advice in this area through this programme and it is being acknowledged.
"We hope farmers contact DairyNZ for resources and accredited design companies for technical support if they have any questions around how they will perform."
Wilson says if farmers are unsure of their farm's soil risk, DairyNZ has a new soils guide to help them assess risk. "It will give farmers a better idea of where the council may be monitoring this season, so they can get prepared.
"Farmers can also self-assess their effluent system with the Waikato Effluent Compliance Checklist which is on the DairyNZ website, www.dairynz.co.nz/checklists."
Virtual fencing company Halter is going global but for founder Craig Piggott, New Zealand farmers will always remain their main partners.
A former Fonterra executive is the new chair of the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ).
New Federated Farmers national dairy chair Karl Dean is looking forward to tackling the issues facing the sector.
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…