Good farm records helping keep M. bovis at bay
Good records on cattle movement have helped the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) clear another farm impacted by Mycoplasma bovis.
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.
Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.