Scott Simpson: Mycoplasma bovis a challenge for farmers

The challenge of mycoplasma bovis on farmers is taking its toll.

Mycoplasma Bovis poses very significant challenges to the beef and dairy sectors. It's not just the physical impacts of culling herds, it's the emotional and psychological impacts that are a challenge too.

Gypsy Day is an important marker in the annual dairy calendar. This year the shadow of M. Bovis only adds to the significance.

Some things are bigger than mere politics. The programme to try and eradicate M. Bovis is one of those issues.

The National Party supports the Government's decision of phased eradication over the next two years.

Yes it's going to cost a lot of money but I think it's well worth trying to eradicate.

We've got one shot at doing so. The Government's decision to work with the sector and individual farmers brings certainty and in my view it's a good thing for the industry that an agreement has also been struck to share the costs of this response between industry and Government.

This disease is causing enormous stress and anxiety for farming families and this will increase with the culling that will be required.

The financial and emotional toll on farmers already has been significant and the Rural Support Trust has done an outstanding job supporting those in need.

Over the coming weeks and months communities like ours will need to be even more alert to those stresses and strains.

I know we'll all take every opportunity to reach out and offer support and assistance wherever and however it is needed.

I'm encouraged by the advice there's a high degree of confidence that eradication is both feasible, practical and can be achieved. Getting rid of this disease is preferable to living with it surely.

One of the big concerns is around the actual financial implications for individual farmers. A structured financial compensation formula has now been established. It's faster than was previously available and provides for interim payments to be made within two weeks of a cull.

Let's hope banks are supportive of farmers whose cash flow has been impacted by this disease.

We're going to hear a lot more about Mycoplasma Bovis as the programme to eradicate gains momentum.

Today there are still more questions than there are answers but as time progresses more detail will emerge. Lessons will be learned.

Significant changes to farming practice may well emerge. We're all becoming more aware of the need to be more disciplined around biosecurity.

Now is not the time for finger pointing or recriminations. Now is a time for dedicated focus and energy on eradication.

Now is the time to rally around those who need support, help and assistance.