Gianina Schwanecke

Hastings, Wellington

Reporter at Hawke's Bay Today

Reporter at Stuff.co.nz

Lover of books, tea and goats. All views and opinions my own.

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Articles

Sheep numbers drop in New Zealand, beef cattle steady

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Gianina Schwanecke

In the 1980s, there were 22 sheep per person in New Zealand; now, there are around 4.5. Photo / Duncan BrownBy Gianina Schwanecke of RNZThe gap between people and sheep in New Zealand is rapidly closing. There are now about 4.5 sheep to every person in New Zealand compared to a peak of 22 sheep per person in the 1980s, that’s according to figures released by Stats NZ this week.
Gap between people and sheep rapidly closing

1 week ago | rnz.co.nz | Gianina Schwanecke

The gap between people and sheep in New Zealand is rapidly closing. There's now about 4.5 sheep to every person in New Zealand compared to a peak of 22 sheep per person in the 1980s, that's according to figures released by Stats NZ this week. Agricultural statistics spokesperson Tehseen Islam said as of June last year, there was a total of 23.6 million sheep in New Zealand, a six million, or 21 percent, drop compared to 10 years ago.
Renewed calls for cat bylaws as feral numbers surge

1 week ago | rnz.co.nz | Gianina Schwanecke

New Zealand is home to more than double the number of feral cats as beloved pet ones, which is posing issues on farm. Lincoln University Masters student Natalie Blackstock said there are an estimated 2.4 million feral cats in New Zealand compared to 1.2 million pet cats, and about 200,000 stray cats. Blackstock described their impact on native wildlife as especially "significant". "They do a lot of impact conservation-wise. They threaten our native birds and mammals," Blackstock said.
Contract milkers’ survey reveals financial, mental health issues within industry

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Gianina Schwanecke

Almost half the contract milkers questioned for a recent survey reported abusive behaviour from farm owners or advisers. Photo / 123RFBy Gianina Schwanecke of RNZAlmost three-quarters of New Zealand’s contract milkers have experienced significant financial or mental health challenges, a new survey shows. Contract milkers are paid a dollar rate per kilo of milk solids and sit under contract law.
Farmers celebrate new rules limiting forestry conversions - but do loopholes remain?

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Gianina Schwanecke

Farmers are celebrating new rules to limit farm conversion to forestry. Photo / RNZ, Kate NewtonBy Gianina Schwanecke of RNZFarmers are celebrating new rules to limit farm conversion to forestry, but worry loopholes remain. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced new legislation will be introduced later this year, placing restrictions on full farm-to-forest conversions on Land Use Classification (LUC) 1-6 land.
Farmers celebrate new rules to limit forestry conversions - but does a loophole still remain?

1 week ago | rnz.co.nz | Gianina Schwanecke

Farmers are celebrating new rules to limit farm conversion to forestry but worry loopholes remain. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced new legislation will be introduced later this year placing restrictions on full farm-to-forest conversions on Land Use Classification (LUC) 1-6 land. Under the changes, which took effect from 4 December last year, when the policy was originally announced, up to a quarter of farms can be planted in forestry for the Emmisions Trading Scheme (ETS).
Contract milkers survey reveals financial, mental health issues within industry

1 week ago | rnz.co.nz | Gianina Schwanecke

[wh] 'Quite confronting': Survey reveals financial, mental health issues among contract milkersAlmost three quarters of New Zealand's contract milkers have experienced significant financial or mental health challenges, a new survey shows. Contract milkers are paid a dollar rate per kilo of milk solids and sit under contract law. By comparison, sharemilkers are paid a percentage of the milk payout and their employment rights are protected by the Sharemilkers Act.
Country Life: Smashing pumpkins at Summer Hill Seeds

1 week ago | rnz.co.nz | Gianina Schwanecke

Whanganui sheep and beef farmers Clare and Grant Adkins were looking for a "semi-retirement option" when they added pumpkins to the mix as part of efforts to diversify the farm operation near Okoia in Manawatū. "We're producing a plant protein alongside our animal proteins," Clare told Country Life. The couple don't grow the pumpkins for their orange flesh though.
Controls lifted at Otago poultry farm after high pathogenic bird flu eradicated

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Gianina Schwanecke

About 200,000 chickens were culled from Mainland Poultry's Hillgrove Farm in Otago after the H7N6 strain of high pathogenic avian influenza was discovered in December. By Gianina Schwanecke of RNZAn Otago poultry farm where the country’s first case of high pathogenic bird flu was discovered last year can now start repopulating. About 200,000 chickens were culled from Mainland Poultry’s Hillgrove Farm in Otago after the H7N6 strain of high pathogenic avian influenza was discovered in December.
Controls lifted at Otago poultry farm after high pathogenic bird flu eradicated

2 weeks ago | rnz.co.nz | Gianina Schwanecke

An Otago poultry farm where the country's first case of high pathogenic bird flu was discovered last year can now start repopulating. About 200,000 chickens were culled from Mainland Poultry's Hillgrove Farm in Otago after the H7N6 strain of high pathogenic avian influenza was discovered in December. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has now lifted biosecurity movement restrictions on the farm with the virus having been eradicated.