New regulations for transportation of bobby calves come into effect this year and a Federated Farmers-led Taranaki group is out to shed some light on the new rules.
The Taranaki Bobby Calf Action Group has organised 10 roadshows across the region after hearing from a number of farmers who were unaware of their responsibilities come August 1, and also the negative coverage in the media.
The group was created last October by Taranaki Federated Farmers dairy vice-chairwoman Janet Schultz, who says the aim is to ensure everyone is on the same page.
"We are all stakeholders in our industry so it's important that we are working together on this."
The new regulations require loading and unloading facilities to be provided and used as well as suitable shelter before and during transportation and at point of sale or slaughter.
The regulations also state that a trucking company is liable for a fine if they pick up calves from an uncompliant holding pen.
The action group comprises local procurement companies, trucking companies, Ministry of Primary Industries, Taranaki Federated Farmers, Fonterra and Dairy NZ.
They have collaboratively created a Best Practice Guidelines for Bobby Calves in holding pens for transportation.
Janet said these guidelines were specific to Taranaki.
"We've made sure the guidelines are relevant to the region and workable."
Other regulations that will come into effect include calves must be at least four days of age, and physically fit; it will prohibit the transport of calves by sea across the Cook Strait; and it will also prohibit the killing of any calves by use of blunt force to the head, except in an emergency situation.
From February 1, the maximum time off feed before slaughter must be no more than 24 hours after the calf was last fed on farm.
- The roadshows kick off on February 15 in Tariki and will go through until March 2 in Kaponga, with procurement and transport representatives present to answer any questions.
- For more information on the roadshows, contact Taranaki Federated Farmers on 06 757 3423.