BULLETIN ISSUE 23: Autumn 2019
GENE EDITING: IS IT RIGHT FOR NEW ZEALAND? In the first article on this topic (Issue 22: Summer 2018), we tried to give a brief overview of genetics (which isn’t easy in two paragraphs!) to set the scene for the rest of the series. We asked the question of whether New Zealand should allow gene editing technology outside of a laboratory setting. Currently, New Zealand has not ruled on whether gene editing is a form of genetic medication; something other countries have done. The issue tends to divide rooms down the middle, with equally passionate views on both sides, so there is a need within our agribusiness industries for an objective debate. The decision must be reached cautiously as there are far-reaching consequences. The Royal Society recently released a discussion paper on gene editing in the primary industries with several case studies on how the technology could be used in New Zealand. The report paints a promising picture of how this technology could prevent wilding pines, protect native species and even make the ubiquitous ryegrass resistant to pests. However, the paper is silent on the sequelae to allowing gene editing … for instance, would its use close the door to any of our current global markets for our primary products? Also of importance, and not covered
in the discussion paper, is how customers and consumers will respond. In the USA, the non-GMO Project is the fastest growing eco-label and is currently certifying more than US$26 billion worth of non-genetically modified products for sale in the US. The non-GMO Project has indicated that gene edited products will not be able to carry the non-GMO Project brand. The September 2018 issue of Country Living, a popular British lifestyle magazine, featured an article entitled GM Crops: is it finally time to accept them? While the article allowed for views on both sides of the argument, the magazine itself declared that their opposition to GM still stands. In their words, “Twenty years on, there is no convincing evidence of large-sacle benefits in the countries that have embraced GM, and our opposition stands.” The UK has traditionally been a strong market for New Zealand lamb, and the readers of Country Living represent an affluent demographic. Our series on GM and GE concludes in the next issue.
THE IMPORTANCE OF WITHHOLDING PERIODS Antibiotics or other veterinary medicines found in meat overseas can have a devastating effect on our industry. Our major trading partners randomly test shipments of meat from New Zealand for a large list of chemicals, pesticides, hormones and medications. A positive test could potentially mean loss of access to a market for ALL meat companies … not just the one that shipped the implicated product. Care is needed with record keeping for administering antibiotics and other animal remedies to
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ensure the withholding period for meat is met. The meat and milk withholding periods are usually different … so it pays to check! And then double check! If you do realise that you have made a mistake, and sent the wrong animal i.e. a treated animal, please contact us immediately. We are happy to help, and the longer the period between slaughter and notification the more difficult the exercise to recall potentially compromised product.
Agri-Women’s Development Trust Supported growth
Understanding Your Farming Business (UYFB)
Engaging women as critical farming partners UYFB equips and supports women involved in sheep and beef farming to lift business performance. Whether you’re farming with others or on your own, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to help create a positive future.
You’ll learn: how to measure farm performance and potential how to add value as an engaged critical farming partner business planning to improve farm performance the drivers and language of your farming business how to find and assess financial information Each programme is held over four months – three full days plus an evening graduation ceremony, with some inter module homework. UYFB is fully funded by the Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP) so there is no cost to participants.
Locations include Te Awamutu
15 May, 12 Jun, 10 Jul & 7 Aug
Piopio
16 May, 13 Jun, 11 Jul & 8 Aug
Taihape
22 May, 19 Jun, 17 Jul & 14 Aug
Marton
23 May, 20 Jun, 18 Jul & 15 Aug
Each programme is limited to 16 women, so register your place now. For more information visit www.awdt.org.nz/uyfb keri@awdt.org.nz | 06 375 8180
Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP) is a Primary Growth Partnership programme that is working to help the red meat sector increase productivity and profitability.
MUDGEY’S COLUMN Good old Mother Nature has yet again shown who really is the boss and who sets the rules. Is it climate change, global warming or just a more typical late summer? Who knows? But, late February and the temperatures dropped and it really feels like Autumn isn’t going to be late. Might have got it a little wrong with my few cattle in February call being worth the money, but it’s not that bad with Prime still at early $5’s and heavy bull being close to $5! Plenty who held on being able to keep the per head value pretty sound with great weighted cattle coming through. Talking numbers, not really surprising with the change in values, the North Island kill goes from 30,000 cattle one week to over 50,000 the next week. Supply and demand rules kick in and what goes up, must eventually come down. Capacity on plant is cranked up with 10 hour shifts and seven-day-a-week processing, but if everybody wants to go at once there will always be delays. Thanks in advance for being
patient – the team is pumping them through as quick as they can. Now, I’m no marketer, and those who know me well, know I’m not slow in saying what I’m thinking! Hearing all these stories from those who farm a few sheep, about good old cull ewes making about $10 per head more than first cut lambs this season with product heading to China in simple cut form. Our team have had a bit of success with cow beef into China and in recent times 93cl bull has been well received with a little more volume being looked for. Has to be great news for us if this nation catches on to become true beef eaters, we just need to tick all the boxes on farm first. Yes, NZ Farm Assurance programme, healthy rivers, sustainable farming programmes won’t go away. Just like brushing your teeth or doing up your shoe laces, these systems will have to be part of everyday farm life. Talk to your Greenlea buyer and get signed up today for the NZFAP. Fingers crossed, good old Mother Nature, the true controller of our pasture, looks favourably upon us before winter sets in and with wood sheds and hay barns full, winter might be closer than we think!
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BRINGING YOU
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MAKE SURE IT’S TAGGED!
The critical importance of an effective animal traceability system has been highlighted with the appearance and subsequent aftermath of Mycoplasma bovis. Unfortunately, this situation has also made clear that there are some chinks in the armour. At a plant level, the NAIT tag is vital for accessing information about an individual animal. The use of hormonal growth promotants (HGP) is linked to the animal NAIT tag. If an animal is missing its tag, all product from that carcass is automatically made non-EU and non-China. These countries represent some of our highest value markets, so this restriction is costly. In addition, a non-EU/non-China carcass amidst a room full of eligible carcass presents a logistical problem that can slow down processing and create inefficiencies. As a final note, please be aware that in the yards, animals cannot be linked to farm of origin simply by looking at their NAIT tag. It is still important to paint brand your stock sent for slaughter … unfortunately, all 2 year old Friesian bulls look the same!!
We’ll be back at our usual location, F53, June 12-15
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HEROIC deeds ARE THIS SIMPLE FAMILY ADVENTURE ENDS WELL THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF MANY
With the tax year about to finish on 31 March, now is an ideal time to make a donation to your local rescue helicopter. Any donation you make over $5 is tax deductible.
For Murray Strapp, an adoring grandfather, a highly anticipated family hunting trip almost ended in disaster. Thanks to the generosity of all our donors his story is one that ends well. “My 11-year old grandson had arrived from Australia for a visit and I had planned some ‘man time’. I had arranged a whole week’s hunting experience for him”, says Murray. “Following a day’s orientation on firearms safety, we went out into the bush with a guide. After a few days of great hunting, we jumped into a 4WD off-road vehicle heading for our next destination. That’s when I went from hero to zero. A wheel of the 4WD slipped over the side of the narrow track and we rolled down a bank. The 4WD landed on top of me. I had multiple injuries and knew I probably wouldn’t survive a night on the hill. I knew how hard it would be to be rescued and when the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter flew in, it couldn’t have been any more spectacular than if they’d played trumpets. You couldn’t have increased the moment; it was just like the cavalry had come over the hill. When it did the big turn and flew right over the top, everyone was yelling…I will remember it for the rest of my life.” Flying into Waikato Hospital where I was to spend the next 14 days, I knew everything was going to be alright.”
PLEASE DONATE TO YOUR RESCUE HELICOPTER TODAY
299 Jan - DEC 2018
Average cost per mission
ANNual operating costs
50%
of funding comes from government contracts
Thank you to Greenlea Premier Meats and their farmers for continuing to support the lifesaving service of the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter.
Discover more and donate today at www.rescue.org.nz
$7,800
Over $1.1 million
The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter is dedicated to serving the central North Island community 24/7, 365 days of the year. You’re helping us touch the lives of many people.
RESCUE.ORG.NZ
50%
of funding comes from community support