Biosecurity award for M. bovis work
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
MPI’s David Wansbrough says a lot of people look for the headline ‘drought declaration’, but they should understand what this means in practical terms.
It doesn’t mean huge amounts of government dollars flowing into a region, he says.
“What we declare is the size of the recovery measures that might be needed. Our policy is that if we think the drought is localised the Government won’t go in to help.
“We expect communities to have a fair bit of resilience and do risk management at the local level. When it gets beyond the local level and clearly communities are not able to cope – particularly if
we think animal or family welfare are at risk – then there are measures we can put in place.
“People should also know that regardless of whether or not a drought is declared, help is always available. IRD is receptive at any time to talking to farmers about equalisation schemes or even some leniency on the timing of what they owe IRD.”
Wansbrough says when a drought is declared there will be a little extra assistance available, but most assistance is available all the time if required.
MPI has for ten years focused on putting in place systems and support networks to help farmers deal with adverse events. The Rural Support Trust, DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb NZ and Federated Farmers work with MPI to support farmers.
Right now in South Canterbury and North Otago these organisations are working with MPI to monitor the situation. Wansborough refers to regular meetings and a weekly conference call to help assess the situation.
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.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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