OSPRI Reduces TB Testing and Lifts Movement Controls in Key Regions
Ospri is reducing TB testing frequencies and movement control measures as the disease risk subsidies in parts of the country.
Farmers and meat processors are welcoming the conclusion of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) negotiations in Tokyo.
During the recent negotiations, officials resolved the outstanding issues and have agreed to meet in Chile to sign the agreement on March 8.
Sam McIvor, chief executive of B+LNZ, says the conclusion of the agreement represents good news for sheep and beef farmers and all New Zealanders.
“The sector understands there have been no changes to the original market access conditions which will open multiple markets in Japan, Mexico, Peru and Canada where New Zealand red meat faces tariffs of up to 50%.
“It will also benefit communities in New Zealand as exports from the sector support 80,000 jobs and families across New Zealand."
Tim Ritchie, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association, says the CPTPP will put New Zealand on a level playing field with other major red meat exporters to the Asia Pacific region, such as Australia and the European Union – especially in Japan where the sector has already lost significant market share.
“B+LNZ and MIA thank Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Trade Minister David Parker, and the numerous officials who have worked hard to conclude the negotiations,” he says.
While the District Field Days brought with it a welcome dose of sunshine, it also attracted a significant cohort of sitting members from the Beehive – as one might expect in an election year.
Irish Minister of State of Agriculture, Noel Grealish was in New Zealand recently for an official visit.
While not all sibling rivalries come to blows, one headline event at the recent New Zealand Rural Games held in Palmerston North certainly did, when reigning World Champion Jack Jordan was denied the opportunity of defending his world title in Europe later this year, after being beaten by his big brother’s superior axle blows, at the Stihl Timbersports Nationals.
AgriZeroNZ has invested $5.1 million in Australian company Rumin8 to accelerate development of its methane-reducing products for cattle and bring them to New Zealand.
Farmers want more direct, accurate information about both fuel and fertiliser supply.
A bull on a freight plane sounds like the start of a joke, but for Ian Bryant, it is a fond memory of days gone by.

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