This Week on Straight Talk - Friday 6th May

THIS WEEK ON STRAIGHT TALK - FRIDAY 6TH MAY, 2011 AT 8.30PM

This week on STRAGHT TALK, host Mandi McLeod is joined by special guests Professor Jacqueline Rowarth of Massey University and Dr. Matthew Smith.

Professor Rowarth obtained an Agricultural Science degree in Agronomy and a PhD in Soil Science from Massey University. She worked with AgResearch for six years and then taught Plant Science at Lincoln University for six years.

Professor Rowarth is currently Director of Agriculture at Massey University and is an active scientist, with a strong commitment to promoting awareness of science and the importance of research to schools, interest groups and society in general.

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth 11, recognised Jacqueline's contribution to agriculture in 2008 by awarding her the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Dr. Matthew Smith, General Manager of Alltech New Zealand, heads the Kiwi version of a company that’s a global leader in the animal health and nutrition industry and among the top 10 animal health companies in the world, focused on natural scientific solutions to today’s biggest agriculture and food industry challenges.

Dr. Smith advises on practical silage topics and general herd management around the globe. He is responsible for developing the use of Alltech’s natural nutritional supplements and production solutions throughout New Zealand.

Since it was founded over 28 years ago, Alltech has developed a strong presence throughout the world with 1,900 employees and a presence in 113 countries.

This week, STRAIGHT TALK’s Mandi McLeod and her guests delve into MAF’s decision to change import standards for pork.

They explore whether it will open the way in New Zealand for PURRS – Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome.

From now on pig meat coming into New Zealand from Canada, Mexico, the US and the European Union will no longer have to be pre-cooked or cured. However, all of these countries have the contagious and devastating disease which the New Zealand pig industry does not - a disease that can be transferred through uncooked pig meat.

What’s the fallout for our pork industry?

Mandi debates the issue of knowledge and technology with Professor Jacqueline Rowarth. What’s it going to take to fill the gaps so farmers can ramp up food production to meet global demands? And how do we compare with other agricultural players around the world?

Also are Auckland area farmers who now find themselves in the ‘Super City’ being unfairly targeted by being asked to dig deep for more rates?

North Rodney deer farmers Betty and Eric Terzaghi are a case in point. They claim that in 20 years, the rates bill on their 45ha retirement farm has reached the point where they are virtual serfs in the service of the council.

They opposed a rating system based on capital value, including a property's subdivision value, whether or not the property had development consent.

Treating the rural sector as Auckland's cash cow will not deliver Mayor Len Brown's Auckland Plan, they argue.

The Auckland Council wants to standardise the 65 rates remission and postponement policies which it inherited from the merger of eight councils.

These policies are estimated to cost $675,000 in the next two years. Some, including the area of Rodney, are to be dropped. Its large area of valuable coastal farmland would cost $270,000 a year to support.

Many farmers say all of Auckland's farm land needs equal treatment.

For all you need to know and a good dose of healthy debate, join host Mandi McLeod and her guests to find out more.

STRAIGHT TALK

Premieres Friday 6th May, 8.30pm on

Country99TV.

(For repeat schedule please check website)

ENDS

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