Federated Farmers says a proposed new stock control bylaw from Tasman District Council will be impossible for farmers to comply with. Federated Farmers Nelson provincial president Stephen Todd says the proposal for farmers to hold sheep 50 metres back from a road while they are shifting stock until all cars have driven past, could end […]
Animal Welfare
Campaign calls on Kiwis to support local pork producers and speak out on controversial proposals
New Zealand pig farmers are urging Kiwis to back the industry and have their say on a controversial draft code of welfare. A new website www.supportnzpigfarmers.co.nz provides information on the drastic changes proposed by the Government and enables Kiwis to lodge submissions directly with the Ministry for Primary Industries. The draft welfare code for pigs […]
Farmers need to get involved in proposed changes to Animal Codes of Welfare
The MPI process to revise and update Animal Codes of Welfare is ramping up with the recent release and call for submissions on the proposed Code of Welfare for Dairy Cattle. The proposed code for pigs was also released recently and the sheep and beef one is due shortly. All three codes have the potential […]
Feedback sought on draft code of welfare for dairy cattle
The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC), the independent Ministerial advisory committee on animal welfare, is calling for feedback on a new draft code of welfare for dairy cattle. NAWAC has reviewed the existing code of welfare for dairy cattle and is consulting on updated minimum standards and recommendations for best practice. The objective is […]
Protecting bees from killer mites
– From AgCarm The parasitic mite Varroa destructor is a severe threat to New Zealand’s honey bees. Since the mite appeared on our shores twenty years ago, affected bees have not been able to survive without human intervention. Effective treatment for varroa is essential for protecting our most productive pollinators. More bee colonies are now […]
EU approves methane-reducing feed additive Bovaer®
Royal DSM, a global purpose-led science-based company, announces that European Union (EU) member states approved the marketing of the methane-reducing feed additive for dairy cows, Bovaer®, in the EU. After inclusion in the EU registry, expected in the coming weeks, it is the first time a feed additive authorised in the EU for environmental benefits […]
Rebuilding NAIT – and farmer faith in it
When consultation on a proposed big jump in NAIT (National Animal Identification and Tracing Scheme) levies was announced, Federated Farmers grudgingly acknowledged the increases were necessary. But Meat & Wool Chair William Beetham said if the bigger revenue stream was secured, Feds would look to hold NAIT Limited to account on delivering a much more […]
NAIT levy increases must achieve accurate, user-friendly system
Nobody welcomes extra costs but if OSPRI is to catch-up on under investment in the NAIT platform and deliver on its workability and farmer support, levy increases are probably necessary, Federated Farmers says. OSPRI is consulting on proposals to increase the NAIT tag levy from 90 cents to $1.35 and the slaughter levy from 50 […]
Mark your days by helping Retired Working Dogs
The October FEDSNEWS showcased the work that Natalie Smith and the Retired Working Dogs charity have been doing to help man’s best friend find loving homes. Now we’re introducing Helen and Hoon, the formidable pair who help sell the charity’s calendars. Helen Sheard is one of the vets at the Fielding branch of Totally Vets. […]
Graduate vets receive MPI funding to work in rural areas
Thirty-four graduate vets are being placed in rural areas, from Kaitaia in the far North to Gore in Southland, through the Government’s Voluntary Bonding Scheme for Veterinarians (VBS) Agriculture and Rural Communities Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. The successful recipients will each receive funding of $55,000 over five years, in a bid to help ease […]