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 […]
People
2022 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards open for entries
The search has begun to find Aotearoa New Zealand’s most exceptional primary sector employers. Entries have opened for the 2022 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards, which are run by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT). “The Awards provide the opportunity to recognise and celebrate outstanding […]
Ensure a smooth Moving Day
Biosecurity NZ – media release With ‘Moving Day’ just around the corner (June 1), it’s a good time for farmers to review their biosecurity practices while moving their animals. “Good planning and communication can help ensure a smooth Moving Day,” says Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) Eradication Programme Director Simon Andrew. “Thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of farmers and […]
Cloud Farmer Opens the Gate for Compliant Farmers
There is no dispute that the recent wave of new farming regulations and compliance requirements is overwhelming for New Zealand farmers. These new requirements have been coming hard and fast over the past 18 months, amongst the challenges of farming during a pandemic, M. Bovis, and the recent impacts on global markets due to the […]
Coroner recommends tame deer warning after tragic death
Federated Farmers has agreed to a recommendation from Dunedin-based Coroner Alexandra Cunninghame that we send out information to members – particularly our lifestyle block members – about the dangers posed by domestic deer during the rutting season. The recommendation was included in the Coroner’s recently released findings into the sad death on 15 April 2020 […]
Straight-talker from the south says Feds has also given plenty to him
David Clark says he’s always seen his role – and that of Federated Farmers – as giving voice to farmers whose happy place is on the land in overalls and boots, getting on with producing good food. “That’s who I am too”. The Mid-Canterbury President’s tendency to “say it as I see it” has meant […]
Past time to confront ‘call of nature’ on farm
When nature calls, it’s hard to ignore. If it’s the bladder, it’s easier for blokes. They can wander off behind a tree and add some moisture to the ground. But what if it’s the bowels? And what if it’s a woman and she’s having her period? What if she’s suffering from endometriosis? Federated Farmers Vice-President […]
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 […]
Squeezed global supply opens up milling wheat opportunities for NZ growers
‘Give us our daily bread’, the prayer goes. Trouble is, says Federated Farmers Arable Chairperson Colin Hurst, significant price rises for flour-based products may be on the horizon for local consumers. Prices for milling wheat delivered to Christchurch in mid-May were $600-$630 per tonne, which is around $200 more than last year. “So that’s a […]
Southland farmers getting winter grazing right
Winter is coming. For farmers, this of course means planning grazing arrangements to see livestock through the harsher months ahead. Southland Federated Farmers recently collaborated with Environment Southland assisting with winter crop inspections, and Southland Federated Farmers winter grazing spokesperson Jason Herrick was pleased to see a wealth of positive management practices displayed by farmers […]