It possesses features synthetic products cannot match: it’s electrostatic so the filter captures a range of particles, bacteria-static so germs don’t hang about and has low breathing resistance so the masks are comfortable to wear.
On another level the wool used in the mask is superior: it is biodegradable, a plus in these environmentally conscious times.
M bovis levy falls
From the beginning of June dairy farmers have seen a reduction in their Mycoplasma bovis response levy from 2.9c a kilogram of milksolids to 2.4c. The levy took effect in September last year and by March $43.5m was paid to cover dairy’s share of the programme.
Hi-tech to identify super mums
A tracking collar fitted to ewes and lambs can accurately identify which lambs are raised by which ewes, doing away with time-consuming visual matching or expensive DNA identification. The data generated will also enable the super mums in a flock to be identified.
Red meat exports hold firm
Asian markets proved to be the saviour for New Zealand’s red meat exports in April. While receipts from Britain and Germany were down those from China, Japan and Taiwan were all up. Chilled meat values fell but frozen rose.
Wool face masks in demand
Kiwi company Lanaco’s wool-filter face masks are flying out the door with the manufacturer struggling to keep up with demand. The masks have come into their own since covid-19 though they were developed before the pandemic.
Winter grazing solution found
Southland dairy farmers will not have to apply for a consent if they are carrying more stock than allowed this winter. Instead they can apply to Environment Southland seeking a deemed permitted activity permit and it will be granted in five days.
Tonight on Sarah’s Country
7.10pm – The Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF) was announced today for vocational education and training. The dairy industry is desperate to employ staff as calving approaches and many skills will have to be learnt on the job. Farm 4 Life's Tangaroa Walker joins us about the launch of the Farm 4 Life Hub.
7.20pm – New Zealand exported $859 million of lamb, mutton, beef and co-products in April despite covid-19. Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva will discuss the tariff savings from the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership for NZ beef exports to Japan and how red meat has a recovery wishlist.
7.30pm – Queen’s Birthday honours saw cattle legend Bruce Mackenzie, of Maungahina stud, made a Companion to the New Zealand Order of Merit as the stud celebrates 75 years. Bruce will join us to share his family’s journey selling three breeds of cattle in Wairarapa.
7.40pm – A cutting-edge tracking collar for sheep uses Bluetooth to accurately identify lambs raised by each ewe will help New Zealand sheep become more productive in the process. Aimee Charteris, a director of Four Good Foods, will join us to discuss the new Smart Shepherd technology.
