Editorial: Agri's mojo is back
OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.
A lifestyle farmer has been fined $17,500 for the reckless ill-treatment of his sheep, failing to provide them with proper feed, and not treating them for parasites.
Donald Charles Pelvin, 67, was sentenced in Christchurch District Court today on three animal welfare charges brought by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
MPI national animal welfare and NAIT compliance manager Gray Harrison says MPI investigates reports of animal mistreatment and takes appropriate action against offenders.
“These animals were Mr Prelvin’s responsibility and he failed them.
“Mr Prelvin did not give them the feed and veterinary treatment they needed and as a result they suffered unnecessary pain and distress,” Harrison says.
He says animal welfare inspectors visited Prelvin’s property at Pleasant Point on 5 August 2019 following a complaint from a member of the public.
“At the time of the inspection, Mr Prelvin was responsible for 75 sheep and 27 lambs.
“There was very low pasture cover in the paddocks and no supplementary feed available,” says Harrison.
As a result of the lengthy and combined effects of minimal feed and heavy parasite burden the inspection identified 20 emaciated sheep along with six dead in and around the water race. Another sheep was found tangled in fencing wire.
“13 of the 20 sheep required euthanasia to end their suffering. The other seven were able to be managed in order to save their imminent lambs,” says Harrison.
MPI is strongly encouraging members of the public who are aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints line so that prompt action can be taken.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
New Zealand must continue to educate Chinese consumers about the unique qualities of its red meat products and how they differ from competitors, says Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton.
There are opportunities outside the farmgate for young farmers to further develop their skills, says 2025 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award winner Bridie Virbickas.
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