Latest news with #beefcattle
RNZ News
14-05-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
New welfare code for sheep and beef cattle proposed
After milking the sheep are put out to fresh pasture to graze. Photo: Gianina Schwanecke / Country Life The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) is seeking feedback on a revised code of welfare for sheep and beef cattle. NAWAC is an independent group which advises the government on animal welfare issues. The draft code proposes several updates to minimum standards and recommendations for best practice, and includes a ban on using electric cattle prods. Chairperson Dr Matt Stone said this followed best practice overseas and few farmers used the electro-immobilisation devices these days anyway. "The majority of farmers no longer use this method, and we feel there are better alternatives out there that are highly effective." Among other key changes are the introduction of dairy sheep standards, which Dr Stone described as a "growing industry". "That's a brand new section in the code that obviously draws from industry experience but also apply sort of let's call them hybrid settings between some for the settings we might see in the dairy cattle code but then of course also related to sheep husbandry." There would also be new minimum standards for animals in off-paddock facilities and feedlots, and ensuring sheep and beef cattle have the opportunity to express natural behaviours. This included contingency planning, which Dr Stone said was especially "topical" given multiple adverse weather events across New Zealand in recent years. "[They] describe the responsibilities of farmers and people in charge of animals in relation to contingency planning for adverse weather events, but also for infrastructure failures such as critical infrastructure on farm automated feeding systems, these types of things , or a fire or other natural disaster." Beef + Lamb New Zealand chairperson Kate Acland said the draft appeared to take a "balanced approach" to ensuring stock owners ensure the welfare of the animals in their care. "Based on our initial analysis of the updated Code, the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee should be commended for considering on-farm practicality, and for showing their reasoning, in setting out the standards that must be achieved." The new proposals take into account new technologies and updated science, she said. Pain relief during animal husbandry procedures such as docking or tailing has been recommended as best practice rather than a minimum standard, and the standards around shade and shelter appear sensible and achievable. Acland said some areas though may need a closer look, such as ensuring unweaned lambs being prepared for transport have been fed within a specified period. "As farmers, we pride ourselves on how we look after the animals in our care." In addition to seeking views from sheep and beef farmers and others affected by the changes, Dr Stone said NAWAC was encouraging feedback from animal advocates and the public. "We welcome a wide range of perspectives on the proposed changes to ensure the code is practical and delivers good animal welfare outcomes." More information can be found on the Ministry for Primary Industries website . Consultation closes on 15 July.
Washington Post
12-05-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
Mexico says US suspension of beef imports because of screwworm is unfair
MEXICO CITY — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday described as 'unfair' the decision by the Trump administration to suspend imports of Mexican beef cattle for 15 days due to the detection of screwworm in shipments. Sheinbaum, who has spent the past few months scrambling to offset tariff threats by U.S. President Donald Trump, said she hoped the suspension would not result in another economic blow for her country.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'It's who I am and who I'm going to be': young farmer readies drone business to help area farmers
CUMBERLAND — Dallas Bazewicz has found himself immersed in agriculture his entire life. 'Agriculture has always been a part of who I am,' said Bazewicz in a recent interview. 'I went to school away from the farm and missed it, and ended up transferring. 'I've always known I've wanted a farm, and it's something I could never get away from. It's just one of those things where it's who I am and who I'm going to be.' Bazewicz recalled his involvement with 4-H when he was young. While in the program he was involved in a horse project in Barron County with his grandfather. 'I kind of didn't have a choice to hop on a horse before I could walk,' he said with a laugh. 'That was first nature; walking came second, just about.' He said that, during his ventures in 4-H, he learned about the market and self-promotion, with one project involving a sale of beef steer. 'I talked to local businesses, trying to get them to come to the sale at the fair and try to get them to buy my steer.' That entrepreneurial spirit continued with Bazewicz, who currently farms part-time with his parents as well as farms on a small plot of land that he runs himself. 'I'm primarily helping my parents with their beef cattle operation and feeding, making hay, and doing a little bit of crop farming on the side. I'm trying to be a beginning farmer in a world where it's not too friendly for beginning farmers.' While farm loss slowed in Wisconsin last year, the number of family farms suffered a quick decline between 2017 and 2022 according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Studies by UW-Madison agricultural and applied economics professor Steve Deller also noted that small farms are now turning to off-farm employment to help pay bills, as their own farms do not generate sufficient income. However, in the face of such difficulties, Bazewicz has faith that newer technologies can be a game-changer for those operating small farms. 'Personally, I think technology is going to be more important than ever,' he said. 'I think we are already seeing stuff like that being integrated [in things like] tractor and planter technologies. 'I feel that farmers are going to have to either adapt to some sorts of technologies or fight them, and that's just going to be a losing battle.' Bazewicz is looking forward to starting his new business, Sun Valley Aerial Acres, a business that utilizes drone technology to aid farmers in everyday tasks. His current business focuses on custom chemical applications via drone work rather than traditional application methods. 'They're really gaining traction — drones five years ago compared to what they are today — it's astronomical with how fast the technology changes,' he explained. 'Drones just keep getting better and better and more efficient. It's a healthier way to go across the fields.' Applying solutions from above presents advantages over traditional ground-based methods, as Bazewicz illustrated with the example of a heavy, water-filled ground rig. The significant weight of such vehicles can contribute to soil compaction, among other issues. 'You're running over less of your potential yields, there's less chances of getting stuck, you're not damaging the crops if everything goes right,' he said. 'It will help save the soil by not making the ground harder or making ruts if it's too wet. You're not putting more stress on the ground by driving across it.' Beyond chemical application, Bazewicz mentioned further drone uses, such as assisting with mapping field borders, counting plants per acre, identifying weed locations, and others. As he continues to farm on his parcel of land, he knows that he is not alone as a younger individual wanting to pursue his dreams of going into agriculture, and he hopes that others take notice as well. 'It's biased, but maybe don't always go to a big guy,' he said. 'Maybe think of giving younger farmers a chance.' Dusty Bazewicz, Dallas Bazewicz's father, has seen his son's ambition and success, and stated his continued pride in everything that his son does. 'We are so proud of Dallas in addition to all of his accomplishments. We are proud of his heart, eagerness to help others, and strive to succeed,' said Dusty. 'Dallas is a country boy at heart, from being a grand champion horseman to an entrepreneur that wants to do his part to make sure agriculture stays strong.'
