Latest fromMinistry for Primary Industries

Brain disease found in sheep
New Zealand bio-security and food safety authorities moved proactively this morning to announce the discovery of a brain disease that affects sheep.

High dollar will hurt farmers
A high New Zealand dollar and reduced demand for sheep and beef looks set to hurt farmers in the coming year.

Major animal welfare issues on Crafar farms, says MAF
"Significant animal welfare issues" have been found among the 20,000 cows on the 22 farms owned by the Crafar family, a MAF inquiry says.

Crafar Farms put into receivership owing NZ$200m
NZ's largest family owned dairy business is put into receivership by its banks Westpac, Rabobank and PGG Wrightson Finance.

Fed Farmers dairy boss responds to mistreatment reports
Federated Farmers Dairy chair Lachlan McKenzie responds to recent controversy over the mistreatment of animals on a NZ dairy farm.

Animal welfare checks begin on all Crafar farms
Inspectors have begun urgent checks on the welfare of livestock at farms owned by the Crafar family, amid concerns that publicity over alleged cruelty could harm New Zealand's reputation.

Ag Minister wants Crafars out of industry, criticises Fonterra
Agriculture Minister David Carter says 'dirty dairy farmer' Allan Crafar could do huge damage to New Zealand's reputation.

Fonterra responds to neglect case, cruelty 'will not be tolerated'
Fonterra says it won't hesitate to take action, "including refusal to collect milk" if deliberate animal mistreatment is proven.

Dairy giant allowed calves to starve to death
New Zealand's biggest privately held dairying operation allowed dozens of calves to slowly dehydrate to death.