Early Bird I Wednesday October 9th 2024

Spike in farm flying accidents prompts safety discussions, Ospri warns against complacency in the fight against Mycoplasma Bovis, and overhaul of apprenticeship scheme targets rural and trade skills gap. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather! Spike in farm flying accidents prompts safety discussions A concerning trend in New Zealand's agricultural aviation sector has emerged, with a spike in accidents and incidents over the past few months. The New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association is now calling for increased vigilance among pilots and farmers alike. In the last ten weeks, the industry has seen five serious accidents and five incidents involving both helicopters and planes engaged in spraying operations on paddocks and forestry blocks. The Civil Aviation Authority confirms it's investigating several of these cases, which range from aircraft hitting fences to helicopters striking power lines. While there have been no serious injuries so far, industry leaders warn that this streak of good fortune may not continue. They're urging pilots to refocus on safety measures, especially as many return to the air after prolonged breaks due to reduced farm spending. The recent increase in accidents is attributed to a combination of factors. Pilot error and mechanical issues top the list, but underlying pressures are also at play. With the agricultural sector, particularly sheep and beef farming, facing economic challenges, there's a push to maximise productivity when work becomes available. This financial pressure, coupled with requests from customers to fly in less-than-ideal weather conditions, is creating a potentially dangerous environment. Another contributing factor is the condition of facilities, especially runways. The association emphasises the need for proper maintenance to ensure safe operations. Farmers also have a role to play in improving safety. They're being asked to respect pilots' decisions when conditions are deemed unsafe for flying, with the association stressing that when a pilot decides to halt operations due to safety concerns, that should be the end of the discussion. Southland and Otago farmers encouraged to reach out  Federated Farmers leaders in Otago and Southland are sounding a call for farmers grappling with mental health challenges to seek assistance, as relentless rainfall and flooding continue to test the resilience of rural communities across the regions. Jason Herrick, Federated Farmers Southland president says Southland has endured near-constant rainfall since April, leaving many farmers in a difficult position. In response to the feed shortage, Federated Farmers has activated its Feed Coordination Service. Farmers with surplus feed or those in need can connect through the Southland and Otago Federated Farmers Facebook pages. Federated Farmers Otago president Luke Kane underscores the importance of farmers supporting one another, encouraging them to engage with friends and neighbours to gain perspective and alleviate feelings of isolation. The Rural Support Trust stands ready with local experts who understand farming and are trained to assist farmers through various challenges. A list of numbers to call for advice or help is in this episode's description. Rural Support Trust (0800 787 254), the 1737 phone service (txt or call 1737), Federated Farmers (0800 327 646), DairyNZ (0800 432 479), and Beef + Lamb New Zealand (0800 233 352).  Alliance cites shrinking sheep numbers as key factor in Smithfield decision The dramatic decline in New Zealand's sheep numbers has emerged as the primary driver behind the impending closure of the 139-year-old Smithfield plant in Timaru. Alliance chair Mark Wynne has pointed to the stark reality of the national flock's reduction - from a historic high of 60 million to the current count of roughly 23 million - as a compelling economic factor in the decision. This significant drop reflects broader structural changes in New Zealand's agricultural landscape, with land use shifts towards dairy and carbon farming playing crucial roles in reshaping the industry's future. The Smithfield plant, Alliance's oldest site, has been grappling with the need for substantial investment in repairs and maintenance to remain operational. Its location on potentially valuable land near Caroline Bay, coupled with encroachment from retail development, has further complicated its future. However, it's the dramatic decline in sheep numbers across New Zealand that has dealt the final blow, with the national flock shrinking from a historic high of 60 million to the current count of roughly 23 million. Wynne attributes this decline to significant land use changes over the past few decades. The early 2000s saw a wave of sheep and beef farms converting to dairy operations, and more recently, there's been a trend of entire farms transitioning to carbon farming. These shifts, combined with the prolonged downturn in wool prices and recent challenges in the lamb market, have created a perfect storm for operations like Smithfield. The potential closure would affect approximately 600 staff, with significant redundancies expected. While Alliance is offering redeployment opportunities at other processing plants where possible, the impact on the local community is expected to be substantial.  Despite the grim outlook for Smithfield, both Alliance and Federated Farmers are approaching the situation with a pragmatic view. Wynne assures that the consultation process with staff is being conducted in good faith, with a final decision expected by next Friday October the 18th. Ospri warns against complacency in the fight against Mycoplasma Bovis New Zealand's world-first Mycoplasma bovis eradication programme is making significant headway, but Ospri cautions that now is not the time for complacency. Recent bulk tank milk screening results paint an encouraging picture, with 34,853 samples tested between July 1 and September 27 yielding 88 'detects', yet no new confirmed cases after on-farm sampling and investigation. However, Ospri emphasises that assuming all infection has been found would be premature and potentially risky. The programme, currently in its 'delimiting' phase, continues to check for infection and gather data through national surveillance, including livestock and bulk tank milk testing. This ongoing vigilance is crucial for confidently claiming eradication, a process that requires a large volume of samples over multiple years. Since its inception in 2018, the eradication programme has made substantial progress. To date, 282 confirmed properties have been destocked, nearly 190,000 cattle culled, and almost 3,000 claims processed. Farmers have received $290 million in compensation for financial losses incurred due to programme activities. The total cost of the programme has exceeded $700 million, approaching the initial 2018 estimate of $870 million, but still falls short of the projected $1.3 billion in lost productivity over 10 years had M. bovis been allowed to spread unchecked. Looking ahead, the programme will require ongoing funding, including farmer levies, although these have been significantly decreased earlier this year, but Ospri notes that levies will continue to adjust based on the programme's needs. Bulk tank milk screening remains a key tool, with increased sensitivity during early lactation making spring a crucial period for detecting possible infections, particularly as herds return from winter grazing and heifers enter the milking platform for the first time. Overhaul of apprenticeship scheme targets rural and trade skills gap The government is giving its Apprenticeship Boost initiative a new direction, targeting critical skill shortages in rural and trade industries. This strategic move aims to rebuild the economy and provide much-needed certainty for employers in vital sectors. Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds has outlined the program's fresh focus on first-year apprentices in targeted occupations, designed to help employers confidently hire and retain apprentices, even in these challenging economic times. Under the National-NZ First Coalition agreement, $64 million has been allocated to Apprenticeship Boost in the 2024 Budget. This investment extends the program beyond its original 2024 end date, reinforcing the government's commitment to fostering a skilled workforce in critical industries. From January 2025, the initiative will prioritise key sectors crucial to New Zealand's growth and sustainability, including agriculture, horticulture and viticulture, building and construction, manufacturing and engineering, automotive technology, and food and hospitality. This targeted approach aims to address the most urgent skill gaps in the economy, with a particular emphasis on rural communities and primary industries. Under the current arrangement, employers can continue to claim funding for eligible apprentices until December 31st. After this date, the $500 monthly subsidy will only apply to first-year apprentices in the specified industry areas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.