E-Diary Announcements: May 3, 2024

Spotted something in our weekly e-diary newsletters that you need to reference again?

This page contains the national announcements in this week’s electronic agenda.

If you would like to know something specific to your region, please contact your local extension manager – find their details here.

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For other e-diary information see elsewhere on our website:

This week’s announcements:

Transporting pregnant sheep

A reminder of the regulations surrounding the transport of pregnant ewes. You can be fined $500 if a ewe gives birth during transport or within 24 hours of reaching meat processors or sales points. The later in pregnancy sheep travel, the greater the risk of a serious animal welfare problem, such as delivery on trucks, in yards or even chained. When this happens, ewes become very upset and lambs can be trampled. Prevent unplanned pregnancies in your flock and check the pregnancy of departing ewes. More information here.

Consultation meetings on methane targets of the Climate Change Commission

The Climate Change Commission is holding sessions across New Zealand on its consultation on methane reduction targets and related issues. See our previous e-diary story for more information. During the sessions further information will be provided and there will be the opportunity to ask questions and make comments. The remaining meetings will be held in Nelson (Mon 6 May), Gore (Mon 13 May), Oamaru (Tue 14 May) – registration required (click on location link). See the Commission website for more information or email [email protected] if you have any questions. B+LNZ does not agree with what the Commission is proposing and will argue that methane should only be asked to do what is asked of other gases, namely not to cause additional warming. We also encourage farmers to give their views on the objectives. We will also provide information shortly to assist with submitting an entry. The consultation closes on May 31.

Government meetings are held nationwide

The government’s Agriculture Ministers – Ministers McClay, Hoggard and Patterson – have organized meetings in woolsheds across New Zealand to hear from farmers. B+LNZ encourages our farmers to attend to ensure ministers hear about the issues facing our industry. The meetings run until July. We will keep you informed via e-diaries and our other channels. The next meeting is TODAY (Friday) at 1.30pm near Blenheim at the Caythorpe Family Estate, 487 Middle Renwick Road, RD1 Fairhall. You do not need to register in advance. Other upcoming meetings:

• May 10, 2pm, Rangitikei, Strahan’s Woolshed, 428 Levett Line, Kiwitea
• May 13, 5:30 p.m., East Coast, Bushmere Arms, 673 Matawai Road, Gisborne
• May 14, 9:30 am, East Coast, Tolaga Bay Golf Club, Tolaga Bay
• May 17, 1 p.m., Southland, 874 Five Rivers Lumsden Highway, Five rivers.