The industry association representing more than 90 percent of New Zealand’s crop protection and animal health industries has a new name. Animal and Plant Health New Zealand was previously called Agcarm and recently joined forces with the Animal Remedy and Plant Protectant Association. The association represents a one-billion-dollar industry with a value of $20 billion […]
Pest Control
Revisiting the great exploding trousers epidemic of the 1930s
By Laura Williamson, editor/co-founder of 1964: mountain culture/Aotearoa It was strange behaviour for a “quite respectable garment”, according to the Hutt News, “Not long ago, in a country township, a man’s pair of trousers exploded with a loud report.” Fortunately, he wasn’t wearing them at the time and was able to throw the offending pants […]
AI solutions on the way for war on pest species
by Simon Edwards Traps and surveillance cameras using artificial intelligence (AI) will soon be joining the arsenal of tools available to achieve New Zealand’s ‘predator-free by 2050’ ambitions. In a webinar last month hosted by Predator Free NZ, Dr Helen Blackie – a Biosecurity Consultant at Boffa Miskell – said field trials of AI-driven traps […]
Research on repellents to keep kea safe
Department of Conservation – media release New research to test the use of repellents to help keep kea safe during predator control operations is underway near Arthur’s Pass in Canterbury. The Department of Conservation and OSPRI (TBfree) are funding the research, which will test the effectiveness of two bird repellents (d-pulegone and anthraquinone) in reducing […]
FALL ARMYWORM UPDATE AND DETECTION
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 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 […]