Wednesday, 29 March 2023 10:55

Pig ignorant!

Written by The Hound

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: Your old mate notes that regulations governing NZ's pig sector could end up seeing us running out of locally produced pork - like we are currently experiencing with eggs.

Pork NZ reports that more than 50,000 metric tonnes of overseas pork was imported into New Zealand during 2022, most of it from countries that allow pig farming practices that are illegal in New Zealand.

According to Pork NZ, almost two thirds of the pork consumed in NZ comes from overseas, but there is no requirement for it to meet our animal welfare standards.

Around 98% of the pork imported from overseas comes from countries that use sow crates, which are banned in NZ.

Our pork sector has more stringent welfare and environmental standards compared to other countries.

This sounds like a recipe for disaster for the NZ pig farming sector.

More like this

Canterbury farmer Sean Molloy joins New Zealand Pork board

Following a recent director election, Canterbury farmer Sean Molloy has been appointed to the New Zealand Pork Industry Board.

Pig farmers respond to new welfare standards

Pig farmers are cautiously welcoming new animal welfare standards announced by the Government last week.

Wrong focus

OPINION: Your old mate reckons townie Brooke van Velden, the Minister of Workplace (or is it Woke Place) Relations is now showing how underemployed she is as a minister by initiating an investigation into whether young children should be banned from collecting eggs on farms and feeding animals.

Burn the village

OPINION: There's an infamous term coined by a US general during the Vietnam war, specifically in reference to the battle of Ben Tre: "We had to burn the village to save it."

Purist problem

OPINION: The sudden departure of Jim Ward, manager of Molesworth Station for 24 years, highlighted some major dysfunction in the way conservation estate is managed in this country - the biggest problem, as the Hound sees it, being idealogues who harp on about "taonga" and use all means possible to block sensible commercial operations on conservation land.

Featured

B+LNZ announces new farmer council chair

Dannevirke farmer Dan Billing has been announced as the new national chair of Beef + Lamb New Zealand's (B+LNZ) Farmer Council.

Tamar Farm’s Red Devon beef pies win gold in Mid Canterbury Award

A Mid Canterbury beef farm has unlocked a new market for its products thanks to its unusual beef breed, and an award-winning pie taking the district by storm.

LIC reports 18% increase in beef straws used in dairy cows this spring

The number of beef straws going into dairy cows is on the increase, according to LIC beef genetics product lead Paul Charteris.

Editorial: Preparing for drought

OPINION: Farmers along the east coast of both islands are being urged to start planning for drought as recent nor'west winds have left soil moisture levels depleted.

European growers strengthen Zespri’s year-round kiwifruit supply strategy

European growers are playing a key role in ensuring Kiwifruit marketer Zespri has year-round supply of high-quality fruit for consumers.

Agriculture a “shining light” for NZ economy, says ANZ CEO Antonia Watson

ANZ's chief executive Antonia Watson says agriculture has proven to be “a shining light” for New Zealand’s economy.

National

Australian teams to help repair North Canterbury irrigators after storm

Moves are afoot to get a team of Australians over here to help repair North Canterbury's irrigation machinery, ravaged by…

Early drought conditions emerging in Hawke’s Bay as rainfall drops

As you approach Hastings from the south along SH2, the colour of the west-facing hills are a good indicator of…

Global beef trade set for growth driven by Asia – Rabobank report

Global beef trade is expected to grow steadily over the next five years, driven by increasing demand from Asia and…

Bremworth reintroduces solution-dyed nylon while backing wool carpets

Carpet maker Bremworth is reinstating solution-dyed nylon (SDN) into its product mix but says wool carpets remain central to its…

New series draws rural inspiration

While New Zealand may be under siege from braindead, flesh-eating monstrosities, that doesn’t mean lambing can stop.

Machinery & Products

AgriSIMA 2026 Paris machinery show cancelled

With the current situation in the European farm machinery market being described as difficult at best, it’s perhaps no surprise…

WA tractor museum honours Oliver Crane’s legacy

Located in York, 100km east of Perth in Western Australia, the Oliver Crane Memorial 4×4 Tractor Museum houses what is…

Krone unveils new CombiPack HDP baler and halts US exports

Well-known for an extensive range of round balers, Krone’s new CombiPack HDP looks to have several features that sets it…

NZ tractor sales show signs of recovery – TAMA

As we move into the 2025/26 growing season, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that the third quarter results…

Southland’s Hughes Contracting expands Case IH fleet

Having worked as a diesel mechanic, often on Case IH machinery, Brian Hughes was familiar with the agricultural industry and…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Visit archives

» Connect with Rural News

RSS Facebook Twitter