Getting cull ewes processed at the meat plants - MAF approved advice

At a meeting of Rural Women New Zealand on 27 February 2008, where the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) gave a presentation on animal welfare, a drought related question was put to the MAF presenter concerning the delay farmers are experiencing when trying to get cull ewes processed at the meat plants.
This issue has been discussed at the National Drought Committee meetings, and the feedback from the Meat Industry Association (MIA) has been that the processing plants have been working to full capacity processing high value lines such as prime lambs. The plants are aware of the backlog for requests to process cull ewes, and will do everything they can to process these stock as soon as possible. The most recent feedback from the Meat industry Association is that, as of early March 2008, there are now signs that some pressure is coming off the lamb position opening up the opportunity to take more adult sheep.
In the meantime, if the farmer can no longer feed their stock adequately on their own property, and they can not be sold or managed by a neighbour in the interim, then destocking through humane euthanasia must be undertaken. This is to ensure they are meeting their obligations for "duty of care" under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. MAF recognises this is not an easy decision for the farmer to take, and would recommend that the farmer seek advice from their veterinarian, the Federated Farmer's 0800 drought line (0800 376844), stock or feed agent, or other suitable person prior to making it.
If this is the option that needs to be undertaken, then MAF recommends the farmer should talk this over with a friend, neighbour, local Rural Support Trust representative, or other suitable person to ensure they have the emotional support they need.
If farmers wish to report cases of animal ill treatment to MAF on a confidential basis, MAF operates an Animal Welfare Complaint Hotline 0800 327 027.