Be afraid
OPINION: Your old mate hears some of the recent uptick in farmer confidence has slipped since the political polls started…
With new regulations on bobby calves in force from August 1, MPI is encouraging people to report breaches.
New regulations to strengthen the law on the management and treatment of bobby calves were announced last month by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.
As the dairy industry's spring calving kicks off, the Bobby Calf Action Group (BCAG) is reminding everyone who handles calves of the important role they have to play.
Good stockmanship matters and needs much more credit, says Dr Temple Grandin, professor of animal science at Colorado State University.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy says he had always intended to "fast-track" some of the new animal welfare regulations on the treatment of bobby calves.
The man who was charged in March this year over alleged bobby calf offences has pleaded guilty to all 10 charges.
DairyNZ is running seminars nationwide on caring for bobby calves to raise farmer awareness of new animal welfare rules.
It may be the 'quiet' time of year for dairy farmers, but clearly most are not sitting relaxing in their armchairs.
MPI says about 500 people have attended six public meetings across the country, to express views on proposed changes to animal welfare regulations.