Archive for February, 2008
Birth control shot shows potential
Colorado State University researchers are working to perfect two short-term birth control methods that may eventually be injected by dart into wild animals such as elk, providing options for managing wildlife overpopulation in protected areas across the country. Wildlife overpopulation plagues state and national parks across the nation and world, with overcrowding from bison, deer, […]
Research to boost ruminant productivity
AgResearch has signalled its intention to raise ruminant productivity and welfare standards over the long term with the announcement of a formal collaboration with one of the world’s leading animal health research institutes. For more than fifty years the Scottish based Moredun Research Institute (MRI) has been internationally recognised for its work on infectious […]
Lure dangerously attractive to stoats
The drive to control one of the worst predators of New Zealand’s native wildlife has taken a leap forward with the development of a new, humane lure by Auckland wild animal pest control specialist Connovation Limited. The paste is designed to lure stoats into traps. It proved its effectiveness in trials last year when 64 […]
Farmers prefer meat industry consolidation
Most farmers have now seen the light and are convinced of the advantages of industry consolidation, according to Natural Producers Company Chairman Murray Rohloff. The meat co-operative reform group is urging all farmers to support the recent Alliance Group Ltd initiative – as long as it is in the best interests of farmers. Alliance has […]
A few ways to stretch the haystack
By David Burton For many farmers the hay stack looks a lot smaller this year than it has in years past. But unless a producer is planning on getting out of the business they might want to consider how they’re going to stretch that hay stack until spring. Here are a few things worth considering […]
Animal abuse is sackable
By Jenny Graham of Rainey Collins19 February 2008 — An employee who was dismissed for repeatedly hitting a cow with a plastic pipe has lost his claim for unjustified dismissal. The cow was in such a distressed state that its leg became trapped and it required the attention of a veterinarian. The Employment Relations […]
Fertiliser price increases
Ballance Agri-Nutrients has increased the price of its core fertiliser products due to ongoing global demand for raw materials, but has found a way to soften the blow for loyal shareholders. Chief Executive Larry Bilodeau said that raw material and shipping costs continue to soar along with worldwide demand for plant nutrients, giving the co-operative […]
Elworthy & Miag popular at field days
If any site at the Waimumu field days drew the crowds in today it was No. 8 – the Meat Industry Action Group’s site. MIAG Vice-Chairman John Gregan said that sheep and beef farmers flocked to the site to hear South Canterbury farmer and businessman Forbes Elworthy speak on the future of the meat industry […]
Eligible NZ farmers seek special women
Any young single women who are in search of love, and who fancy a farmer could do well to get hold of the latest edition of the Australian Women’s Weekly (NZ Edition).