DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ wrap up M. bovis compensation support after $161M in claims
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Speaking of M. bovis, the Hound understands the latest outburst by a farmer hit early on by the cattle disease has upset several people.
The van Leeuwens -- the South Canterbury, multi-property dairy farmers first publicly identified with M. bovis last July – recently complained to a farming publication about the lack of support from Fed Farmers. And your old mate understands the dig at Feds has caused consternation and frustration at the farmer lobby. Your old mate understands countless hours have been spent by the Feds executive and staff helping the van Leeuwens deal with lots of problems caused by M. bovis. Your canine crusader suggests that perhaps the ongoing stress of dealing with M. bovis has caused these under-pressure farmers either a serious case of amnesia or just plain ungratefulness.
Matt McRae, a farmer from Mokoreta in Southland who runs a sheep, beef and dairy support business alongside a sheep stud, has been elected to the Beef +Lamb NZ Board as a farmer director.
Ravensdown's next evolution in smart farming technology, HawkEye Pro, was awarded the Technology Section Award at the Southern Field Days Farm Innovation Awards in February 2026.
While mariners may recognise a “dog watch” as a two-hour shift on a ship, the Good Dog Work Watch is quite a different concept and the clever creation of Southland siblings Grace (9) and Archer Brown (7), both pupils at Riverton Primary School.
Philip and Lyneyre Hooper of the Hoopman Family Trust have tonight been named the Taranaki Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
We are not a bunch of sky cowboys. That was one of the key messages from the chairperson of the NZ Agricultural Aviation Association (NZAAA) Kent Weir, speaking at an education day at Feilding aerodrome for 25 policymakers and regulators from central and local government and other rural professionals.
New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $10.49 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.

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