Early Bird I Thursday November 28th 2024

The Prime Minister backs our rural sector as the country’s economic powerhouse, Canterbury project to boost Blackcurrant industry potential, and dog dosing critical as sheep measles rates climb. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather!   The Prime Minister backs our rural sector as the country’s economic powerhouse Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delivered a strong message of support to New Zealand's agricultural community during a Federated Farmers event at Mystery Creek, positioning farmers as critical partners in the country's economic recovery. Speaking at the first of three public meetings on the Restoring Farmer Confidence tour, Luxon emphasized that farmers are not adversaries but essential economic contributors. He highlighted the primary sector's role in generating 80% of the country's export earnings. The Prime Minister told the audience that there is nothing more important to New Zealand than the rural sector. The Prime Minister was also candid about previous government approaches, suggesting earlier administrations had "driven the car into a ditch" through excessive regulation.  Federated Farmers president Wayne Lang­ford acknowledged current low farmer confidence, a sentiment the Prime Minister aims to address through strategic policy changes and technological support. Technological innovation emerged as a key theme, with Luxon highlighting promising developments like Halter collars, Ravensdown's effluent treatment systems, and LIC's breeding technologies. He also addressed the potentially controversial area of gene editing, positioning it as a tool to increase productivity while meeting environmental targets. Minister of Agriculture Todd McClayalso  reinforced the government's stance, describing New Zealand farmers as "some of the most carbon efficient farmers in the world" and positioning them as part of the solution, not the problem. The event wasn't without it’s challenges though. Morrinsville farmer Nic Ver­hoek raised critical questions about capital access, with Federated Farmers requesting the ability to use KiwiSaver funds for farm deposits. Luxon acknowledged that the issue was under review. Organic sector concerns were also addressed, with the Prime Minister maintaining there's room for both traditional and innovative agricultural approaches.   Canterbury project to boost Blackcurrant industry potential The government is investing strategically in the blackcurrant industry, backing an innovative project that promises to transform waste into valuable product streams. Associate Minister for Agriculture Nicola Grigg has announced a two-year collaborative project with PharmaZen Limited, investing $276,000 through the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund. The initiative includes a processing facility in Canterbury that will extract high-value pomace from blackcurrant production. Currently, blackcurrant products contribute nearly seven percent to New Zealand's processed fruit export value, with this project targeting significant expansion. Blackcurrants New Zealand Inc will support the initiative by helping PharmaZen secure reliable fruit supplies. The project promises multiple benefits, including potential job creation in the Canterbury region and enhanced industry resilience. By transforming production waste into valuable compounds, New Zealand's blackcurrant industry can potentially unlock new international markets.   Southland struggling to recover from floods Rural contractors and farmers across Southland are still struggling to recover from this year’s floods, with reduced grass growth rates leaving farmers in a precarious position.  Contractor and Rural Contractors New Zealand vice-president Daryl Thompson says limited grass availability means many are investing hundreds of thousands of dollars monthly to import animal feed. Every animal movement in paddocks is causing extensive ground damage, creating long-term  management concerns. Local farmers are anticipating a two-year recovery period for paddocks and feed supplies, with continued unsettled weather expected. Worker recruitment is presenting another intricate challenge. Thompson says the region is struggling to attract and retain skilled international agricultural workers. While initial recruitment remains relatively straightforward, maintaining a consistent, experienced workforce requires ongoing strategic efforts. Rural Contractors New Zealand advocates for sector interests, engaging with political authorities to ensure agricultural contractors' perspectives receive proper consideration.   Otago dairy farmers undergo annual environmental assessments Annual dairy farm environmental checks are currently underway across Otago, with regional authorities encouraging farmers to engage proactively with the inspection process. The Otago Regional Council will conduct 400 dairy farm evaluations this season, examining critical agricultural management areas including feed protocols, waste management, effluent handling, and water resource utilization. Inspections typically involve comprehensive site reviews, covering dairy infrastructure, drainage systems, storage facilities, and waterway conditions. The Otago Regional Council encourages any farmers with questions about the inspection process to contact them directly.  Farmers are reminded that these evaluations aim to support continuous improvement, helping farmers maintain world-leading environmental practices. Dog dosing critical as sheep measles rates climb Farmers are being reminded to be vigilant against sheep measles after recent data showed a notable increase in infection rates. The Ovis Management programme reports lamb processing data from October indicates a rise in C. ovis infections, climbing from 1.13 percent last year to 1.38 percent this season. Programme manager Michelle Simpson explains that while complete eradication isn't possible, controlling infection rates around 0.5 percent remains the primary goal. The tapeworm causes blemishes in sheep meat, making infected animals less desirable in export markets. The transmission cycle involves dogs becoming infected by consuming untreated meat or offal containing live cysts. Tapeworm eggs then spread through dog faeces, with flies potentially dispersing eggs across grazing areas. Farmers should treat all farm dogs monthly with cestocidal drugs containing Praziquantel and administer an All Wormer treatment every three months.  Visiting dogs should be dosed at least 48 hours before entering farm areas to minimize transmission risks. More information can be found at www.sheepmeasles.co.nz.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.