As many of you would’ve heard or read by now, Biosecurity New Zealand and primary sector partners are continuing to respond to the discovery of fall armyworm in New Zealand. It is important that you have the below information no matter what sector you’re in because, despite the fact that fall armyworm larvae favours sweetcorn […]
Biosecurity
New beehive surveillance project supports biosecurity
Biosecurity NZ – media release The search is on for 100 volunteer beekeepers to join a new Biosecurity New Zealand surveillance project, looking out for future bee threat– the small hive beetle. Biosecurity New Zealand Deputy-Director General Stuart Anderson says the project is the latest of 14 targeted biosecurity surveillance programmes run around New Zealand. “These […]
Biosecurity funding increase is sensible move
An $111 million injection for biosecurity in the May Budget is a pragmatic acknowledgement of how vital it is to our economy we stop pest organisms at our borders, Federated Farmers says. “This extra money shows an appreciation by the government pest incursions can wreak havoc in our primary industries, New Zealand’s powerhouse for export […]
Celebrating champions and innovators of New Zealand’s biosecurity
Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor has announced this year’s New Zealand Biosecurity Awards winners, saying their skills, dedication and knowledge underpin Aotearoa’s world-leading biosecurity system – a fundamental aspect to New Zealand’s economic strength. “It’s the fifth year we’ve celebrated those who go above and beyond to protect New Zealand from pests and diseases. These are […]
HuntingHQ is hitting the target with farmers
As with many good business ideas, Marc Feathersone’s HuntingHQ was spurred by a need in his own life. Marc is a keen sports shooter, a Police range certifier and the Christchurch Pistol Club president, and eager to expand his hunting experience and opportunities. “I spoke to a few mates at the pistol club who were […]
Chinese energy restrictions will add strain to the supply chain
by Mark Ross, CEO Agcarm A nation of intense manufacturing activities combined with ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions has forced China to make drastic policy changes, resulting in strict measures to control energy supply. The global market will be caught in the crossfire of China’s measures to reduce its environmental footprint, with ambitious goals […]
OSPRI on track for a TBfree future in Hawke’s Bay
OSPRI is getting Hawke’s Bay back on track to a TBfree future after delivering multiple aerial operations in the past six months. OSPRI’s Disease Control GM Simon Andrew says that it is essential to reduce the possum population in these problem areas to a low level and to maintain this long enough to break the […]
New app to help manage invasive tussock
A new free web app has been designed to help farmers, landowners and regional councils manage a costly weed that has resisted eradication efforts in New Zealand for over a century. Nassella tussock (Nassella trichotoma) occurs in drought-prone grasslands, mainly in the Canterbury and Marlborough regions. It is unique in that it is the only […]
Tairāwhiti region’s ‘death by a thousand cuts’
The Tairāwhiti region’s economy and job prospects will be hammered if the rate of carbon-only forest conversions continue unabated and unregulated, Federated Farmers Gisborne-Wairoa President Toby Williams says. “That’s the grim outlook confirmed by the final report by accountancy and financial advisory firm BDO. “My concern is that when our authorities and residents – and […]
OSPRI reduces TB slaughter levy rates for dairy and beef farmers
OSPRI who manages the TBfree programme is to reduce the TB slaughter levy rates for cattle farmers from 1 October. The Differential Slaughter Levy (DSL) is reviewed each year to ensure that industry funding aligns with that agreed under the 2016 TB Plan Funders’ Agreement, this is subject to a 15-year period. The slaughter levies […]