New initiatives in agriculture.
‘‘This Government is clear that our primary industries are key to ensuring New Zealand’s sustainable future.’’ — Meka Whaitiri Associate Minister of Agriculture.
Joining winter’s steady stream of surveys and consultations, new initiatives and awards are opening up opportunities in the primary industry sector.
Calling future deer farmers
A new programme for students keen to learn about deer farming has just been announced by Deer Industry New Zealand and the NZ Deer Farmers Assocation. Future Deer Farmers Experience follows on from the university level Big Deer Tour introduced two years ago, and is targeted at students doing certificate or diploma level agriculture studies, or working on a farm. Applications for the three places available for the four-day camp close on August 17. ‘‘It’s a whirlwind tour of the industry,’’ says DINZ Passion2Profit Programme CoOrdinator Rob Aloe. ‘‘Looking at venison, velvet and coproducts, processing and marketing, as well as going on farm.’’ Held around Waikato and the Bay of Plenty from September 10-13, the last day will be spent at the NZ Deer Farmers Association Next Generation programme in Hamilton. ‘‘It’s for those with a really keen interest in deer farming and who want to learn more about the industry.’’ Employer awards encourage excellence and innovation The inaugural Ministry for Primary Industries Good Employer Awards close today (August 10), so there’s still just enough time to put in a nomination. The awards celebrate employers in the primary sector who go above and beyond in doing a good job. Factors considered include providing great working conditions, staff opportunities for upskilling and promotion, and demonstrating exceptional employment practice. The primary industries employ one in seven working New Zealanders and as many as one in three in regions such as Gisborne and Southland. ‘‘To future proof this backbone of the New Zealand economy, we needed to celebrate the work our best employers are doing in the employee space and encourage other businesses to evolve in a similar fashion,’’ says Meka Whaitiri Associate Minister of Agriculture. She says no general employment awards have a primary industry category and very few awards within the industry explicitly recognise good employment practices. ‘‘This Government is clear that our primary industries are key to ensuring New Zealand’s sustainable future. Highlighting our industries’ wairua through our employers and the wide variety of primary sector careers on offer ensures that future is bright.’’ There are five awards categories, including Innovative Employment Practices, Employee Development, Safe and Healthy Work Environment, Maori Agribusiness, and the Minister’s Award. Nominees can be individuals, businesses or organizations that are actively involved in a primary industry or provide support services, such as fertilizer and equipment manufacturers, transport services and professional consultants. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Wellington in November.
Dealing with lameness on the hoof
The new Healthy Hoof lameness app just launched by DairyNZ records lameness information which can then be used to identify and address potential risk factors. If you notice a lame cow, tap the app and flag her for treatment. Lameness scoring helps estimate the proportion of lame cows in a herd. The treatments section allows you to select the point of pain and the app will indicate the type of lameness. The reports section lets you track trends, identifying current and recurring lame cows, lameness type and frequency.