FFPM Grazing Limited pleaded guilty to four charges (October 2024) under the Animal Welfare Act following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
MPI’s director of compliance and response, Glen Burrell, said FFPM Grazing Limited’s winter grazing practices were appalling. They were sentenced in the Invercargill District Court and were also ordered to pay MPI NZD 15,000.
Many of these animals, around 125, were stuck in the mud to the extent that they could not display normal animal behaviour like walking and turning freely to access feed or rest in dry areas.
The farm was running more than 2,000 head of stock on a relatively small area of land, which contributed to the creation of mud and animal welfare problems.
"Most farmers work hard to do the right thing and have improved their winter grazing practices over recent years. This case is an important reminder to plan ahead and get on top of problems before they develop,” said Burrell.
“A well-planned winter grazing system supports good animal health and welfare. It ensures animals have sufficient and appropriate feed, access to plenty of clean water, and the ability to move freely to and from their feed and water."
Animal welfare inspectors visited a leased property near Tuatapere following a complaint about the animals there.
"Their coats were caked in mud, they didn’t have a suitable dry lying area and when they were lying down, they were lying in mud. There’s little insulation for an animal in mud and the animals were susceptible to the cold.”
An MPI investigation found that former farm workers at the property warned the company and directors who leased it against using silage stacks. The property owner reiterated these concerns to one of the grazing company directors, but no action was taken.
"Silage stacks concentrate feed in one area, meaning the animals will have to walk to that same area to access feed, which potentially creates more mud. The better practice is to move silage regularly to dry areas for the animals.”
The investigation also found that FFPM knew of a cattle beast dying in mud but did not change its grazing operation.
Both farm workers who initially warned the company resigned. Three new farm workers were employed and directed to move dairy cows to pasture areas only on dry days.
Two farm workers became so concerned about the welfare of the animals that they removed stock from the muddy paddocks. The company reacted by directing them to return the animals to the muddy paddocks.
"We continue to engage with farmers and industry about winter grazing and have seen some good progress. We proactively visited numerous properties throughout Southland during the winter of 2024 and found most farmers were on top of their winter grazing requirements with good plans in place. Our message to those who do not properly manage this issue is that there will be consequences."
MPI has strongly encouraged any member of the public to be aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty and report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints.
More agriculture news here
