The Vision for Future Sheep Breeding in New Zealand
New Zealand’s agricultural sector is embarking on an ambitious journey to revolutionise sheep genetics. Pāmu, in collaboration with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Focus Genetics (a subsidiary of Pāmu), and with backing from AgResearch, has initiated the ‘Sheep of the Future’ programme. This seven-year initiative, set to run until 2029, is partially funded by […]
Solar Farming in Waipara: A Sustainable Future
In Waipara, a local farmer, Tom Kidner, is set to transform 200 hectares of his land into an “Agri-voltaic” solar power plant. This initiative promises a stable income source for his business over the next three decades. Kidner’s primary motivations are diversifying his farm’s revenue and actively contributing to New Zealand’s efforts to reduce emissions. […]
Yoghurt: A Solution to Abomasal Bloat in Orphaned Lambs
Abomasal bloat in lambs is a severe condition where excess gas causes the abomasum to swell, potentially leading to fatal ruptures and damage to surrounding organs. The primary culprit is believed to be the bacteria Sarcina ventriculi, though other bacteria like Cl.sordellii and Cl.fallax can also be responsible. The condition is exacerbated when warm milk, […]
Making Carbon Farming More Accessible
Many landowners are not capitalising on potential earnings from carbon credits due to the complexities of transitioning into carbon farming. To address this, Nelson-based company CarbonCrop, co-founded by Nick Butcher, has developed a solution to simplify the process. Butcher highlighted that a significant challenge was enhancing farmers’ comprehension of the intricacies of carbon farming and […]
Impact of Government Policies on New Zealand’s Sheep and Beef Farmers
Recent research by Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) highlights the considerable administrative and financial strain on farmers due to the influx of new and proposed environmental regulations. The study, conducted by BakerAg, delves into the cumulative effects of the Government’s environmental reforms on sheep and beef farms. B+LNZ’s chief executive, Sam McIvor, emphasises the […]
Optimism Prevails at Ag Outlook Forum Amidst Food Security Concerns
In the recent ninth annual Ag Outlook Forum held in Kansas City, organised by Agri-Pulse and the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City, the central theme revolved around addressing the challenge of feeding an ever-growing global population, which is nearing 8 billion. Various experts from the agricultural sector shared their insights and proposed solutions to […]
USDA Commits to $1.75 Billion Relief for Affected Agricultural Producers
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has unveiled its comprehensive plan to allocate $1.75 billion in emergency funds to bolster farmers and ranchers adversely impacted by natural disasters spanning 2020 to 2022. This financial support will be rolled out in two meticulously planned phases. Under the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) banner, the Farm Service […]
Beef Prices Set to Increase Amid Shrinking Supplies
Consumers who enjoy beef should brace themselves for a financial impact, as industry experts predict a rise in beef prices due to dwindling supplies. Randy Blach, the CEO of Cattle-Fax, a prominent authority on cattle industry trends, recently discussed the situation with Brownfield Ag News. Blach forecasts a 4-5% reduction in beef production in the […]
EU Approval Necessary for SIS Payment Increases, States Minister McConalogue
Any potential increases in the Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) payments to Irish sheep farmers would necessitate the consent of the European Commission, says Charlie McConalogue, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The current SIS payment rate is €12 per breeding ewe, provided the farmers complete two actions from a list of options outlined […]
Proposed Amendments to Victorian Biosecurity Legislation Under Review
As reported by the VFF The Victorian Government is currently reviewing and proposing changes to the existing biosecurity legislation and regulations. The primary aim of these amendments is to enhance and streamline biosecurity management, ensuring swift and effective responses to the detection of animal diseases, as well as plant pests or diseases within Victoria. The […]
