Serratia-linked Mastitis a wake-up call for Waikato farmer
Waikato farmer Craig Clausen had an unpleasant experience after an outbreak of mastitis cases on farm, suspected to be caused by the pathogen Serratia.
FIL, the animal health and dairy hygiene subsidiary of GEA Farm Technologies, is dropping the price for its chlorhexidine teat spray products.
The company says the adjustment comes because of recent shifts in global supply and demand of key raw materials, reinforcing FIL’s ongoing commitment to supporting New Zealand dairy farmers.
“During the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, chlorhexidine prices rose significantly due to unprecedented disruptions in supply chains and increased demand for chemical-based products,” said Ian Palmer, senior director representative for GEA Farm Technologies New Zealand.
“Now, with the easing of the pandemic and stabilisation of global markets, demand has declined across some of our raw materials, allowing us to make cost adjustments and pass these savings on to our customers without compromising quality.”
Looking ahead, there are some anticipated cost challenges in other areas of the industry, particularly with iodine-based products.
“The demand for Iodine remains high due to ongoing pharmaceutical needs and global uncertainties, including the Ukraine-Russia conflict,” says Palmer. “With iodine mining operations confined to Japan and Chile, price volatility continues, but we remain vigilant and will continue to closely monitor iodine availability and cost.”
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
This past week has seen another round of negotiations between India and New Zealand to produce a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
Cautiously optimistic is how DairyNZ's regional manager for the lower North Island, Mark Laurence describes the mood of farmers in his patch.
The Infrastructure Commission has endorsed a plan by Chorus to expand fibre broadband to 95% of New Zealand much to the delight of rural women.
Questions are being raised about just how good the state of the dairy industry is - especially given that the average farmgate payout for the coming season is set to exceed $10/kgMS.
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