Taranaki farmer fined $15,000 for illegal NAIT tag swapping
A Taranaki farmer and livestock agent who illegally swapped NAIT tags from cows infected with a bovine disease in an attempt to sell the cows has been fined $15,000.
The Hound hears that a Christchurch ambulance chaser (lawyer) is trying to put together a group action against the livestock firms tied up in a Commerce Commission case over the NAIT scheme.
Your old mate understands the said lawyer is interested in bringing a group representative action to recover a proportion of the fees overcharged to farmers as a result of the unlawful agreements between the firms and parties involved. The case relates to complaints about livestock firms overcharging for ear tags and collection of fees for entry into the NAIT system. The Hound understands an application has already been made to the High Court at Auckland for access to the court's file on the case. Watch this space.
The Meat Industry Association (MIA) is once again looking for game-changing ideas for New Zealand's red meat processing and exporting sector.
Environment Southland is inviting feedback on two bylaws that play a critical role in safeguarding the region's waterways and ensuring the safety of the local community.
While the North Island is inundated with rain, Southland is facing receding water levels as warm weather and lack of rainfall continues.
Entries have opened for the 2026 Fieldays Innovation Awards.
Organisers are expecting another full field of 40 of the country’s top shearers for the popular Speed Shearing event at this year’s Southern Field Days at Waimumu.
The Southern Field Days Innovation Awards have a great record in picking winners and the winner of the 2024 event will be putting up a display to support the event at this year’s show.

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