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.”
A technical lab manager for Apata, Phoebe Scherer, has won the Bay of Plenty 2025 Young Grower regional title.
Following heavy rain which caused flooding in parts of Nelson-Tasman and sewerage overflows in Marlborough, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging homeowners and tenants to be cautious when cleaning up and to take the right steps to support claims.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.