Crafars 'painted unfairly,' says receiver

The receiver brought in to handle the Crafar farms believes the Crafar family is being painted in an unfair light.

Ministry of Agriculture Forestry inspectors have reported back after visiting all 22 farms, citing a list of serious animal welfare concerns.

They include underweight animals, over-stocking, inadequate feed and a lack of shelter for calves.

Receiver Michael Stiassny says although there are serious issues, not all are the fault of the Crafar family.

"Some of those farms have sharemilkers on them and the herds are actually owned by the sharemilker. What we've been doing in those situations is trying to work with MAF, the sharemilker and our own industry people."

Mr Stiassny says it is frustrating that MAF is not making the facts clear in its releases to the media.

- NEWSTALK ZB