Early Bird I Wednesday December 4th 2024

Avian bird flu spreads within an Otago egg farm, Miraka updates its milk price forecast, and new rules to boost rural health delivery. 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!   Avian bird flu spreads within an Otago egg farm Ministry for Primary Industries have confirmed the avian bid flu outbreak at a Moeraki poultry farm has now expanded to a second shed. MPI's chief veterinary officer Mary van Andel confirmed 80,000 chickens at Mainland Poultry's Hillgrove Egg Farm will be culled, double the initial number. The farm houses 160,000 birds across four sheds, and officials are preparing to take further measures if required. Six nearby farms are undergoing testing. Van Andel says the virus has potential to spread through human movement, noting that equipment and machinery can carry infection. Distinguished Professor of infectious disease, epidemiology and public health Nigel French says while the virus doesn't spread person-to-person, he is warning of potential severe human health risks.  The current outbreak represents a conversion from a low to high-pathogenic strain, which can cause serious respiratory symptoms and sudden death in birds. Farmers and rural residents are advised to avoid direct contact with potentially infected birds, report any unusual bird illness immediately, and maintain strict biosecurity protocols.   B+LNZ report highlights differences in agricultural emissions policies Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) has released research comparing New Zealand's climate change policies with 15 international agricultural sectors, revealing critical insights that challenge current approaches. The comprehensive study uncovers a key message that New Zealand stands uniquely positioned in its approach to agricultural emissions, with most other nations taking markedly different strategies. Critically, the research demonstrates that no country - except Denmark - currently intends to directly price agricultural emissions. Where Denmark proposes a tax, they simultaneously plan to offset impacts with massive farmer subsidies, highlighting a supportive approach to agriculture.. The report emphasizes that global agricultural policies consistently recognize food production's vital importance. Rather than reducing animal numbers or production, international approaches prioritize technological advancements and improved agricultural practices to manage emissions. B+LNZ strongly recommends the New Zealand government consider alternative policy directions.  Among their recommendations, they suggest we adopt a split-gas approach similar to Uruguay's climate strategy, which recognizes methane's unique short-lived nature compared to other greenhouse gases. Creating market-led solutions that reward farmers for environmental improvements and technological adoption. Implementing policies that encourage tree integration and soil carbon retention, matching international best practices, and limiting forestry offsets for industrial emitters to protect productive agricultural land. B+LNZ plans to engage directly with government ministers, sharing research insights and advocating for fair, scientifically-grounded policies that support agriculture while addressing climate challenges.   Promising 2025 outlook for Kiwi beef New Zealand's beef sector is riding a wave of promising market conditions, that’s according to the latest RaboResearch Global Beef Quarterly report. Despite a 19% drop in total export volumes in the third quarter of this year, New Zealand beef is commanding stronger market values. RaboResearch senior agricultural analyst Jen Corkran says US export values have surged 19% year-on-year, reaching an impressive $10.56 per kilogram. The United States has emerged as a key market, with export volumes climbing 9% for the 2023/24 season. Meanwhile, China volumes decreased by 22%. But there is a silver lining - secondary markets are showing robust growth. Japan and Canada have increased their beef import volumes by 46% and 50% respectively. Farmgate pricing continues to shine, with cattle prices sitting 15% to 19% above five-year averages in the third quarter.  Weather patterns and pasture conditions are playing their part. The North Island has experienced strong pasture growth, while the lower South Island faced wet and cool conditions.  December traditionally brings strong production, with drier eastern regions likely to see more animals processed before the summer heat arrives. A 3.7% drop in bobby calf numbers suggests more dairy beef might be entering the beef herd, potentially signaling future production growth. Globally major beef-producing nations like the US, Brazil, and China are experiencing herd contractions, which could create additional market opportunities for New Zealand producers.   Miraka updates it’s milk price forecast Taupō-based milk processor Miraka has increased its milk price forecast, matching the trend seen across larger dairy companies in New Zealand. The company now projects a base milk price with a midpoint of $9.60 per kilogram of milk solids (kgMS), ranging between $9.10 and $10.10. When including additional incentives, Miraka's total season forecast climbs to $9.77 - a significant jump from October's $9.17 and a marked improvement from the season's initial $8.42/kgMS. This price adjustment follows similar moves by Fonterra, which recently adjusted its milk price to between $9 and $10 per kilogram of milk solids, with a midpoint of $9.50. Synlait Milk also increased its price to $9.50 earlier in the week. Market indicators continue to look promising. The upcoming Global Dairy Trade auction - the second-to-last of the calendar year - arrives after two consecutive events showing significant price increases. Whole milk powder, which dramatically influences farmgate pricing, saw a 3.2% rise in the last auction, building on a 4.8% jump from the previous event. The final dairy trade auction for 2024 is scheduled for December 17.   New rules to boost rural health delivery. Rural medical practices are on the cusp of a significant breakthrough that will dramatically improve emergency medical response in remote areas. An upcoming rule change will allow local health centres to deploy paramedics directly to emergencies, addressing critical gaps in current medical response systems. Hanmer Springs Health Centre practice manager Paul Walmsley describes the current system as unnecessarily restrictive, where general practitioners and nurses have been expected to respond to medical calls during and outside working hours. Walmsley says the new rules will increase weekend workforce capacity by 25 percent. The Primary Response in Medical Emergencies (PRIME) program, coordinated by Hato Hone St John and funded through the Ministry of Health and ACC, has long relied on local medical staff to fill critical response gaps. This approach has placed enormous strain on rural healthcare providers, often requiring them to cancel patient appointments and disrupt primary care services. PRIME chair Mark Eager says the program currently receives 500-600 monthly calls, with only half being attended due to capacity constraints. The new legislation recognizes rural healthcare as a priority population, signaling a potential shift in addressing long-standing workforce and service delivery challenges.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.