Farmers Weekly NZ February 12 2018

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41 Back to basics farming needed Vol 17 No 6, February 12, 2018

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GLUM: Mary and Sarel Potgieter who were the first to report Mycoplasma bovis now question that decision that has put them out of business and left them with nothing. They tell their story on P5. Photo: Stu Jackson

M bovis cost soars F

Annette Scott annettescott@xtra.co.nz

ARMERS have so far lodged 44 Mycoplasma bovis compensation claims with the Ministry for Primary Industries. While MPI would not give the total value of the claims farmer Aad van Leeuwen said his claim so far was for $4.5 million and that was likely to be tripled.

And despite the law saying compensation for losses made as a result of MPI exercising its powers should leave farmers no worse off, the ministry was likely to make offers to farmers even when they could document actual loss figures. There is also little likelihood of payments being made quickly. Other than some small, interim, hardship payouts most compensation was yet to be approved for payment, MPI

response incident controller David Yard said. The van Leeuwen Dairy Group (VLDG), where the first significant culling of cows took place, has called for MPI to get accountable before it’s too late. “Unfortunately, the processes to achieve that no-worse-off position plainly do not work to an acceptable time frame for New Zealand farmers.” Van Leeuwen said the VLDG had lodged verified claims totalling more than $4.5 million, including

a claim for culling 3357 stock, which equated to 25% of the group’s business. “And we estimate that will triple,” van Leeuwen said. While the stock values were clear cut van Leeuwen was horrified to be told by MPI it would likely come back and make an offer. “This is not negotiable. We have all the paperwork down to the last cent, including the additional costs incurred and the loss of production.

“This is about responsibility and accountability. Biosecurity is at risk here and if we are not getting the compensation what farmer is going to ever report a biosecurity incident like this again? “There is huge financial pressure that is critically stressing on everyone involved and farmers are expected to sit back and wait on this slow bureaucratic machine.” Van Leeuwen was concerned

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WHEN YOUR ADVICE IS REALLY GOOD, EVERYONE LISTENS. At FMG, we look after more rural New Zealanders than any other insurer. In fact, it’s something we’ve been doing for over 110 years now. So when it comes to offering specialist advice for beef farmers, we like to think we know what we’re talking about. Ask around about us. Or better still call us directly on 0800 366 466.

We’re here for the good of the country. FMG0550FWFPS_B


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