Green but not much grass!
Dairy farmers in the lower North Island are working on protecting next season, according to Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre, who farms just north of the Horowhenua township of Levin.
OPINION: Federated Farmers is pleased that a Member's Bill from ACT MP Mark Cameron has put opportunities for live animal exports back on the political agenda.
With industry-initiated Live Export NZ 'Gold Standard' animal welfare precautions - as well as enforcement of the recommendations on sea voyages from the independent review - New Zealand can be a global exemplar in this trade.
Recent cyclones have put a massive hit on our infrastructure and productive sector. For example, it may be years before our pipfruit industry recovers.
Can New Zealand afford to turn its back on annual export income of $400m-$500m?
The government-instituted live export ban comes into full effect on 30 April this year after a transition/wind-down period.
New Zealand has an international reputation for strong animal welfare. While there has been robust and continuous improvement in our live export practices, the industry is open to recommendations for further precautions. These include regulation aimed at minimising sea voyage risk from seasonal weather events.
The global live cattle trade will continue but from countries and by exporters with lower animal standards filling the gap enforced on us. If we were still involved, our high standards would push others into lifting their game.
We've also lost the opportunity to have influence, via commercial relationships, over the welfare of exported animals after they've arrived in countrie such as China.
Federated Farmers and the many businesses, which have been involved in this trade, want discussions re-opened.
But the debate should be based on facts rather than politics and ideology.
It's an election year, and rural New Zealand looks forward to hearing the policies of the various parties on this topic and others that are so important to provincial economies.
Richard McIntyre is a Federated Farmers national board member and its Dairy Chair.
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.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…