Two Major NZ Dairy Deals Completed
Two major acquisitions in the New Zealand dairy sector were completed this week.
FOLLOWING THE Canterbury A&P show, the Synlait Boys and Girls Agricultural Club, last week held their own championship day at Canterbury Agricultural Park.
All outlying Canterbury primary schools got the opportunity to compete in livestock judging, which was similar to what they would experience at an official A&P Show. To qualify for the championships, entrants were first required to attend a school pet day within their region.
Judged took place across three sections: care and attention, leading and handling and their project books, submitted before the Canterbury A&P Show.
The competition received over 80 entries, comprising beef calves, dairy calves, lambs, poultry, pigs and goats.
On the day, each participant paraded their animal in front of the judges and answered a series of questions on their care. All entrants received a certificate, voucher for Tothill’s Mazes and Tip Top ice cream, while winning entries also received ribbons and trophies.
Geoff Bone, Canterbury A&P Show’s event director, says youth development is a cornerstone objective for the association.
“The championship day is an extremely important initiative. Getting children interested in animal care and welfare from a young age is imperative to both the future of the association and the agricultural industry as a whole in New Zealand,” says Bone.
Mark Burnside, Synlait’s Milk supply relationship manager also sees the value of supporting such events.
“We want to support those youngsters who commit time to seriously looking after their animals. Our hope is they hold on to their interest in livestock and farming, and will in time, establish futures in the sector,” says Burnside.
“Whether it is in a farming capacity or in the wider agriculture sector, we are going to need a growing number of people looking at these roles as serious career opportunities.”
Results:
Dairy Calves – Junior (years 1-4)
Dairy Calves – Senior (years 5-8)
Beef Calves – Junior (years 1-4)
Beef Calves – Senior (years 5-8)
Lambs – Junior (years 5-8)
Lambs – Senior (years 5-8)
Pigs
Poultry - Junior (years 1-4)
Poultry - Senior (years 5-8)
Goats
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
According to the latest ANZ Agri Focus report, energy-intensive and domestically-focused sectors currently bear the brunt of rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs.
Having gone through a troublesome “divorce” from its association and part ownership of AGCO, Indian manufacturer TAFE is said to be determined to be seen as a modern business rather than just another tractor maker from the developing world.
Two long-standing New Zealand agricultural businesses are coming together to strengthen innovation, local manufacturing capability, and access to essential farm inputs for farmers across the country.
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.

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