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OPINION: Legislation being drafted to bring back the controversial trade of live animal exports by sea is getting stuck in the cogs of Cabinet.
OPINION: A public battle is playing out between supporters and opponents of live animal experts.
Last week, opponents of the ban presented a petition containing 50,000 signatures in Parliament. The petition, organised by Dr John Hellstrom, a respected veterinarian and advisor to previous governments on animal welfare issues, was handed over to former Labour Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor, who was responsible for getting the present ban on live animal exports put in place in 2021.
They claim that many countries that buy NZ primary exports are opposed to live animal exports and such a trade may damage these exports.
However, farmers and exporters involved in the $500 million trade aren't staying quiet either. Live Export NZ is setting up a website and planning a media campaign to get their side of the story to the public.
One thing is clear: there's political appetite in Wellington to bring back live exports of animals. All three coalition partners - National, ACT and NZ First - committed during election campaigning to reverse the ban on live exports and put more stringent animal welfare standards in place.
It's now up to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to consult and draft up regulations that will allay the concerns of New Zealanders about the welfare of cows being transported by sea.
Farmers point out that live exports are a significant earner for them when domestic market and environment conditions such as drought are unfavourable.
They accept that New Zealand has an international reputation for strong animal welfare and they are open to recommendations for further protections, including regulation aimed at minimising sea voyage risk from seasonal weather events.
Farmers also claim that the global live cattle trade will continue, but from countries and by exporters with lower animal standards filling the gap enforced on NZ farmers by the ban.
The Government has signalled that new 'gold standard' regulations on live animal exports should be in place by next year. Here's hoping that the new standards will quell the concerns of animal welfare lobbyists.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.

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