IHC ditch scheme of collection of veal sales amid the fears of Mycoplasma bovis

IHC Calf and Rural Scheme was canceled for the first time in 33 years because of the risk of spreading Mycoplasma bovis disease.

Long-Term Fundraising Program Generates More Than $ 1 Million Per Year for People with Intellectual Disabilities

Greg Millar, National IHC Manager, said IHC would not sell calves or organize sales of calves this year. Despite significant improvements in the systems, the risk remained too high.

"It's an important decision and we have not taken it lightly." 1965C002 "IHC examined all possible means to maintain the system as is, but after deliberation with MPI [Ministry of Primary Industries] we determined that it was too risky.

" We have a real obligation to do what is good for New Zealand farmers, their livelihoods and their long-term sustainability. "

David Corner, self-promotion coordinator at IHC New Zealand, suffers from a mild intellectual disability and a mild autism.

Corner, who has been working at IHC for 21 years and representing people with intellectual disabilities, said that this year's cancellation was personally sad, "it was the most responsible thing to do."

Corner was proud to be part of a program that "helps build the confidence and self-esteem" of people with intellectual disability.

Farmers s from the southern United States, Chris and Charleen Withy, have donated since 2004 and sometimes donated two calves. The couple chose to make a cash contribution instead this year, which equals the price of a weaned bull.

"It's a great charity we've been supporting for 14 years, and it's something we can easily do to help," said Chris Withy.

"I think that They have made the right decision: if we really want to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis, the industry and all those associated with it must do their utmost to minimize the possible spread of the disease. "

Pip O & Connell, of the IHC North Otago Association, said that she hoped people would find other ways to support their work despite the canceled fundraising

"I just got A rural community and I have an intellectually handicapped child. "

PGG Wrightson's general manager of livestock, Peter Moore, said the rural community had always been strongly in favor of project

"He may be disappointed not to run but the community will understand."

IHC provides up to $ 30,000 a year to local associations for resources such as the Take A Break program for families, as well as

where Connell said: There are certainly no "how" books in our libraries to help us navigate through what to expect when we learn our child's diagnosis for the first time. simple things like toilet training or when it comes to going to school for the first time, or the transition after school, the library is a huge resource.

IHC would like to encourage people who want to continue to help people with disabilities to donate and participate in our virtual calf program, by donating $ 300 instead of a calf, by visiting www. ihc.org.nz/pledge.

"We would also like to acknowledge how difficult it has been for farmers, and we make a commitment to those who are in rural communities. "I am very grateful for the continued support this difficult year of key sponsors, especially PGG Wrightson, who has supported us from the beginning. calves' diet. "