Good farm records helping keep M. bovis at bay
Good records on cattle movement have helped the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) clear another farm impacted by Mycoplasma bovis.
A seminar in Hamilton later this month hopes to rebuild and strengthen the New Zealand cattle industry in the wake of Mycoplasma Bovis (M. bovis).
Organisers expect farmers and rural professionals to attend the inaugural ‘Beyond Bovis’ seminar.
Held in conjunction with the Waikato A&P Show the event is, according to the Director of Showing Waikato, Doug Lineham, the first of its kind in New Zealand.
“The impact of (M. bovis) has extended beyond the breeding and animal containment strategies of individual farms to a widespread impact on the movement of all cattle,” Lineham said.
“Currently New Zealand is undergoing an eradication programme with no end-date although the Ministry of Primary Industries has suggested the success of the strategy will be measured at regular intervals.
“For the foreseeable future, MPI has recommended that farmers review all on-farm biosecurity establishing strict guidelines for animal movement on and off the property. The need to avoid nose-to-nose contact between cattle has presented A&P Shows and Calf Clubs with a conundrum, most electing to defer cattle events for at least the 2018 season; and potentially beyond.”
Waikato A&P Show has erred on the side of caution, cancelling all cattle events at this year’s show in Hamilton and has, in its place, initiated an event which will draw some of the most informed, innovative minds together to share and debate “where to from here” for the New Zealand cattle industry’.”
Lineham said the ‘Beyond Bovis’ seminar features a range of high-profile speakers from the dairy, beef and scientific communities “discussing the challenges and opportunities which are available to farmers around the country.”
The one day “Beyond Bovis’ seminar is open to all farmers, exhibitors and “anyone with a passion and commitment towards the on-going prosperity of the New Zealand cattle industry.
The agenda includes a range of key note speakers including Damien O’Connor, Minister of Agriculture; Matt Ward, General Manager North Island for Beef & Lamb NZ; DairyNZ; Professor Keith Woodford; Harry Faas, General Manager Performance Beef Breeders NZ; AgFirst and Andrew McGiven, chair Waikato Federated Farmers. A panel discussion will be held after lunch answering questions from the floor.
“The outbreak of Mb has been a catalyst for a rethink on the country’s biosecurity – from the farm gate to meat processors, plus consumers in this country and across the world. ‘Beyond Bovis’ consolidates the outcome of those deliberations, for the first time, presenting farmers with a smorgasbord of services, products and supports to preserve and protect the viability of their farming businesses now and into the future,” Lineham said.
Event details
Location: Claudelands Event Centre, Hamilton
Date: Saturday 27 October 2018
Time: Doors open from 9:30am, starting at 10:30am
Attendance fee (and what covers): $15 + booking fee for Show General entry, Seminar Ticket including lunch
Registration details: http://waikatoaandp.co.nz
The world’s largest wool processing facility, badly damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle over one year ago, has re-opened following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project.
A new report has revealed the full impact of Cyclone Gabrielle on Hawke’s Bay’s principals and teachers.
The Commerce Commission says connectivity options for rural New Zealanders are front-of-mind as it begins a formal investigation into the future of the copper network.
Grand Finalists have been selected, all regional finals have concluded, and the journey towards the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final is underway.
New Zealand-grown citrus fruit is now hitting supermarket shelves and Citrus NZ says it promises to be one of the best quality and tastiest seasons the country had in years.
OPINION: This old mutt understands that NZ Post will soon no longer be delivering to rural addresses on Saturdays.
OPINION: Your old mate notes that research on the make-up of the new parliament shows it is now far more…