Tractor prices to fall?
Farm machinery dealers should come under pressure to cut prices of big ticket farm machinery especially those sourced from Europe. Whereas a year or …
'Free Articles' Archives
Fonterra to improve supply chain
Look for Fonterra to push ahead with further improvements to its supply chain in 2012. The industrial dispute which is affecting container port operations …
Trend: World beef production to remain stable
Total world beef production is forecast to remain relatively unchanged in 2012, at 56.8m tonnes which means prices for NZ beef producers are also …
Ecan declines water application
Plans for major a dairy farm development in the upper Waitaki Valley have been knocked back by Environment Canterbury. It has refused to grant …
The Main Report Group’s “Sacred Cows” Survey Reveals The Retirement Age Must Rise, No Support For MMP And Too Many Parliamentary Seats
After 12 years on the front line in politics Simon Power concluded Parliament is too often afraid to tackle the “tough issues” for fear …
Boost for primary sector research needed
NZ needs to dramatically boost its financial commitment to primary sector research and development say two prominent figures who have or have had close …
NZ good a ‘low value’ goods and services
Rod Oram says current high prices being enjoyed for milk powder and lamb are probably at about their ceilings. He says beyond current prices, …
Agri-market trends and forecasts
The Main Report Editor’s monthly predictions based on observations of current trends & statistics.
Anhydrous Milk Fat: Prices will ease over the next month before …
Chinese vegetable claim ‘sour grapes’
Claims in an Australian TV report frozen vegetables from China are entering Aust through NZ without being residue tested or labelling identifying them as …
Ag vehicle review should help industry
More common sense rules which contractors can comply with is the hoped for outcome of a review of transport rules affecting agricultural contractors.
Rural …
Rural road funding looms as election issue
The perceived bias in road funding towards cities at the expense of rural areas could flare up into an election issue with Waitaki District …
ETS exemption deadline for forests looming
Time is running out for forest owners to apply for an exemption from the deforestation provisions of the ETS. The scheme includes large penalties …
Spotlight on wetlands in fighting farm pollution
Global experts in tackling water pollution will meet in Rotorua this week for the 15th International Water Association’s Diffuse Pollution Specialist conference.
Those attending …
Wool marketing goes wireless
Wool marketing is going mobile across the Tasman.
Australian woolgrowers are the first in the world to have their fibre promoted to millions of …
Alternative therapy for farm animals?
European politicians have voted to spend 2 million euros on research into homeopathy for farm animals.
The European Parliament’s agriculture committee has agreed to …
Massey joins Lincoln in ag push
Precision agriculture and education is set for a major boost with Massey University and Lincoln Ventures agreeing to collaborate in precision agriculture research and …
‘MAF irrigation charge affordable’ – Greens
The Greens have hit back at claims their irrigation charge designed to promote better water management will cripple farmers.
They say latest MAF figures on …
Fruit and vege prices under the gun
Fruit and vegetable growers don’t think they’re making anything from some of the current high prices on supermarket shelves, and Horticulture NZ would like …
Aging farm consultants a looming problem
The agriculture sector’s ability to transmit knowledge from research institutions to farmers is potentially under threat due to the general aging of farm consultants. …
Landcorp bullish on benefits of scale
State-owned farmer, Landcorp, reckons its large scale enables it to achieve 35% extra efficiencies compared to other farmers. CEO Chris Kelly says “we unashamedly …
Beetles can control green weed
Biological weapons to control weeds are becoming increasingly important as consumers look to buy clean green food.
New research being undertaken in the UK …
Study: Cancer risk higher for farmers
A new study claims children raised on livestock farms have a greater risk of developing blood cancers later in life.
Massey University’s Andrea Mannetje …
Phosphate crisis may force fertiliser rethink
The days of relying on phosphate for soil and pasture productivity in the future could be running out due to a looming supply crisis. …
High dollar won’t hurt payout
It may be a tiny crumb of hope, but this time last year Fonterra’s globalDairyTrade online auctions went through a similar dip as has …
Technology boost needed in seed industry
Seed Force managing director Warwick Green claims NZ agriculture is punching below its potential weight when it comes to harnessing seed technology. He says …
Growing demand for health-enhancing food
Science advisor Peter Gluckman says NZ is better placed than other countries to develop health enhancing foods to meet a growing demand, especially in …
Dairy sector pricing to be more transparent
DairyAmerica’s decision to start trading milk powder on Fonterra’s GlobalDairyTrade (GDT) platform signals the next phase of the auction site and will herald more …
Dutch M&A specialist to lead Fonterra
Fonterra’s CEO-elect, Dutch dairy executive Theo Spierings, cut his dairying teeth at Royal Friesland Foods, where he worked his way to the top in …
Global farm land grab misses NZ
The NZ Institute of Economic Research says contrary to popular belief, NZ has missed out on much of the global farming land grab. It …
Helmets could be made compulsory on quad bikes
Helmets could become mandatory for quad bike users in all Australian states if safety authorities have their way.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries …
Farmers should ‘understand sheep psychology’
Professor Graeme Martin from the Institute of Agriculture at the University of Western Australia says sheep IQ levels are not to be laughed at. …
MAF suffering from wage pressure
MAF faces “significant cost pressures” on its baseline funding over the next four years and one of the biggest comes from paying public servants. …
Carter: Let ag products go free
Agriculture Minister David Carter told the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation international food security, poverty reduction and hunger alleviation is best achieved through an …
Probe makes finding electric fence faults easy
Finding annoying electric fence faults has now got easier with the PowerProbe. This handheld device is touted as the simplest of its type available. …
Irrigation sensor douses hot winds
The Taitung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station in Taiwan has developed a sensor which works around the clock, attended or not, to automatically …
Farm safety manual could save millions
An Occupational Health and Safety Manual has been launched by FedFarmers to improve agricultural health and safety and could help save agriculture and the …
Research challenges stock lameness beliefs
The widespread belief stock lameness in pasture-fed dairy cattle is caused by wet weather is being challenged research by an Taranaki vet recognised as …
Meat processing robots ready for action
Automated meat processing is taking another step forward. After 20 months’ intensive research and development, the Ovine Automation Consortium is ready to commercialise two …
Outdoor cows leave smaller ecological hoofprint
Kiwi dairy farmers may know this already, but now computer simulations by scientists at the US Department of Agriculture suggests dairy cows living outdoors …
All-terrain tractor tackles steep country
Farmers with steeper country often find their tractors cannot get to many parts of their farms. Help is now at hand in the form …
Trend: Organic food sales growing
Market research firm Organic Monitor estimates the global market for organic food and drink products in 2009 was $US55bn, 5% more than in 2008 …
Virtual dairy tour breaks down rural-urban divide
With less than 2% of the US population involved in farming, the public has little opportunity to visit a dairy farm. To try and …
Move to targeted marketing of NZ lamb
Beef & Lamb NZ has switched its promotional focus in the UK, its largest sheep meat market, worth $646m in 2009/10.
The marketing company …
Farmer footprints to be tracked
The organisers of Fieldays 2011 want farmer volunteers to be effectively “tracked and traced” around the event next month.
Fieldays Footprints will see 200 …
Korea gets taste for Kiwi beef
NZ beef is proving to be a breakout success in Korea, where a star turn on the menu of the country’s largest food exhibition …
Rural workers earn more than townies
Farm workers recorded an overall average salary rise of 4.9% in the year to October 2010 while overall rural incomes are considerably higher than …
‘Don’t cut corners’ with effluent systems
DairyNZ environmental extension specialist Logan Bowler is urging farmers not to cut corners when it comes to designing and constructing effluent systems.
Bowler says …
Red meat strategy takes bite into appetite for change
It may be yet another red meat strategy document, but the fact for the first time ever it combines farmer and processor points of …
SSF beefs up north island processing
North Island beef farmers will welcome news of a major investment in the beef processing industry by Silver Fern Farms. The plan is to …
Preparation key to getting cows in calf
Leading British ruminant nutritionist Cliff Lister told farmers at the Dairy Business Conference in Rotorua cow fertility is dropping 1% each year and consequently …
Southland tipped for new dairy plant
Fonterra will soon have to figure out whether it should build a new milk processing plant in Southland, with its Edendale plant expected to …
Low soil fertility threatens paddocks
Some NZ’s farm paddocks are reaching a nutrient tipping point.
Warwick Catto, head of Research and Environment at Ballance Agri-Nutrients says “many paddocks are …
Wool calculator captures premiums
Here’s technology which could be of benefit to merino wool producers in NZ.
Sheep CRC in Aust says selection of merino ewe hoggets on fleece …
Universities team up to boost farm skills
A new venture aimed at improving the quality of farm business management in NZ has been launched.
A joint venture between Lincoln and Massey universities, …
Pricey Brazilian beef good news for farmers
NZ beef producers can expect to be more globally competitive against the surging might of the Brazilian beef producers. Rabobank reports the days of …
Canada geese battle takes flight
The battle to control Canada geese and improve the profitability of high country farms still has plenty of legs.
Fed Farmers says claims Canada Geese …
Crop advice: Autumn sown brassicas
Autumn sown brassicas require a fine firm seed bed and adequate moisture for optimum establishment.
Good ground preparation will greatly assist with crop establishment and …
February 28th, 2011
Dear Client,
It is a strange paradox when global prices of dairy products are soaring, Fonterra farmers are set to get as much as $8/kg …
Meat Sector: Silver Fern Farms Gets Stronger
Silver Ferns Farms chairman Eoin Garden told the co-operative’s AGM in Gore it has been a challenging time for lamb suppliers as the global …
Dairy: German Investors Lured To Dairy Syndicates
Investors from Germany have won Overseas Investment Office approval to take a controlling stake in 3314ha of South Island dairy farms offered through a …
Economy: Farmer Confidence Rises Slightly
A Federated Farmers 2010-11 mid-season farm confidence survey shows South Island farmers are more confident than their North Island, La Nina drought hit, counterparts. …
Farm Business: New Offer Tabled For Crafar Farms
Fonterra says the demand curve for dairy products in China is far steeper than NZ’s ability to ramp up production. The vast movement of …
Meat Sector: Red Meat Strategy – By-Word Collaboration
A first farmer view of a draft red meat strategy suggests ditching stock agents and supplying meat processors directly could produce savings of up …
Farm Management: Getting The Best From Off-Farm Grazing
Off farm grazing is valuable farm management tool especially in dealing with adverse weather conditions but to avoid major problems or stock coming back …
Meat Sector: Farmers To See Red Meat Draft Strategy
The $500,000 red meat sector strategy document findings, initially due out before Christmas, now won’t be revealed until late March or early April. Funded …
Economy: Farming Continues To Power Export Growth
Latest official figures show agriculture continues to shine as the engine room of NZ’s exports. In the three months to the end of November …
Climate: Fears Of Summer Drought Receding
Farmers affected by the long spring drought, which hit hardest in the Northland, Waikato, and Ruapehu regions, won’t get back the growth lost during …
Dairy Trade: Fonterra Competitor Says Review DIRA
The head of Westland Milk Products says it is time to re-look at the DIRA regulations obliging industry giant Fonterra to supply milk to …
Irrigation: Improve Effluent Irrigation Effectiveness
The effectiveness of spreading effluent on your farm can be enhanced cheaply and easily with a few modifications to operating procedures. Here’s some advice:
• …
Dairy Production: Westland Milk Achieves Record Peak
Westland Milk Products has recorded a record peak milk flow of 2.77m litres this season, up 3% on last year. The peak was reached …
Sheep meat: Shocking Spring Knocks Lamb Numbers
Perhaps the only people who have done well out of what was a shocking spring for lambing were the dead slinky skin collectors. For …
Farm Sales: Farm Sale Numbers Plummet
The latest Real Estate Institute of NZ’s rural market report shows the number of farm sales continues to plummet, with perhaps the only …
Foreign Investment: Russian Rescuers Withdraw From NZ Dairies
Russia’s Nutritek has put its NZ Dairies plant at Studholme up for sale, retreating from a business it originally helped rescue by providing funds …
Exports: Russia FTA Brings Long-Term Payoff
A FTA with Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan (RBK) would initially be worth around $27m a year to NZ, based on NZIER analysis. This may …
Farm Management: Hi-Tech Ear Tag Reader Now Available
Te pari products has introduced a state of the art German made hand-held stock ear tag reader. The so called stick reader is a …
Exports: Added Value Key To Higher Returns
A recent report for the Ministry of Economic Development says the future of NZ agriculture is taking low-cost ingredients grown locally and adding value …
Rural Debt: Leveraged Farms Under Stress
Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard says the rural sector has generally improved, with farmers typically reducing debt and making only essential capital investments. But …
Wool Price Rises But Dollar Stymies Returns
Crossbred wool prices have hit a 14-year high, and, in American dollars, have risen 50% between May 2009 and Sept. 2010. But there’s not …
Subsidies: Carter Liaises With Europe On Subsidies
Agriculture Minister David Carter has held talks with Dacian Ciolos who took over as from Mariann Fischer Boel as the European Commission member responsible …
Dairy: Milk Production Boost Expected
Milk production in NZ will rebound by 10% next year to a record high of 18.6m tonnes fuelling a recovery in exports, weather permitting. …
Land Tenure: Leasehold For Agri Land Shot Down By Feds
A radical suggestion by Beijing-based ex-pat Kiwi investment advisor agricultural land could be changed from freehold to leasehold as a way of protecting NZ’s …
Meat Sector: Silver Fern, Alliance Take Turns Playing Coy
In early 2008, Alliance Group was pushing for a broad coalition between the nation’s biggest meat companies in the belief a successful grouping required …
Dairy Sector: Plans For Waikato Dairy Plant Unveiled
South Waikato Processing Facility Limited has gained approval from Environment Waikato to build a $100m milk processing plant near Arapuni creating a third …
Rural Property: Farm Property Sale Volumes Low, Prices Steady
Farm sale volumes are low, though the national median farm sale price for the three months to 30 September 2010 of $1,012,500 showed a …
China Dairying: Ferrier Warns China Operation To Be Cautious
Comments by CEO Andrew Ferrier about Fonterra’s latest farm investment in China (see below), show just how careful the co-operative is being now about …
Meat Industry: Red-Meat Scheme Attractive To Farmers
Sheep and beef farmers are flocking to join the FarmIQ scheme in a sign they are desperate to find solutions to poor returns in …
Wool Sector: Higher Wool Prices Not Reaching Growers
High global wool prices are not translating to better returns for farmers. The ANZ Commodity Price Index for September shows wool prices up 12% …
Milk Supply: Fonterra May Get Break On Milk Obligations
Agriculture Minister David Carter says the review of the Raw Milk Regulations is the second phase of tweaking of Fonterra obligations to supply milk …
Cubicle Farming: Slim Chance Of Debate On Mackenzie Dairying
Quite how the NZ agriculture industry and wider public can have an informed debate about proposed large scale indoor dairy farming in the Mackenzie …
Land Holdings: Large Amount Of Farmland Retired
If you’ve had the sneaking suspicion there’s not as much farmland as there was a few years ago; you’re right. Beef & Lamb NZ’s …
Overseas Investment: Govt Soothes Overseas Investors
The cynic might question whether the Govt’s announced changes under the Overseas Investment Act will increase or decrease sales of land to foreigners. Finance …
Tax: GST Increase Neutral For Farm Businesses
The October 1 GST price increases have a neutral impact on farm businesses, as like any other business which is intermediary to the final …
NZ Dairy Sector: Fonterra Cushioned By Strong Balance Sheet
Fonterra has been able to report the fruits of its decision to grant farmers the right to own more shares. Along with asset sales, …
Fertiliser: Lignite Conversion Plant Gets Thumbs Up
Southland Federated Farmers provincial president Rod Pemberton says Ravensdown and Solid Energy’s plan to develop a lignite to fertiliser conversion plant in Southland is …
Exports: Super Slow-Steaming Chills Meat Industry
Slow-steaming (as it is still called in a diesel-powered day!) has been a feature of shipping as the global financial crisis has bitten harder. …
Dairy Industry: NZ Farming Systems Draws Out Rival Bidders
Craig Norgate dreamed up a good idea at the wrong time when he proposed PGG Wrightson set up and spin-off a business developing dairy …
Tertiary: Agriculture Failing To Educate For Its Future
NZ’s output of people with tertiary qualifications in agriculture is falling behind the country’s needs as a generation of students is put off farming …
Agricultural Skills: Agriculture failing To Educate For Its Future
NZ’s output of people with tertiary qualifications in agriculture is falling behind the country’s needs as a generation of students is put off farming …
Farm Finance: Weak Capital Markets Hindering Farming Sector
FedFarmers CEO Conor English is warning NZ’s capital markets and economy are suffering from a lack of savings and capital depth. He says in …
Dairy Sector: Dairy Industry’s Image Has Taken A Drubbing
The dairy industry’s various battles over resources, including water, have meant new phrases have entered the public consciousness, like it or not. “Dirty dairying” …
Meat Sector: Meat Industry Can’t Take Blame For Its Decline
AFFCO’s independent directors have recommended minority shareholders don’t accept Talley’s Group’s 37c-a-share offer for the 47% of the meat processor it doesn’t already own …
Pollution: Farmers Pull Out Of Clean River Accord
Federated Farmers is risking public backlash over its attitude towards environmental protection by opting not to sign a previously agreed commitment to clean up …
Meat Sector: Latest Version Of Meat Strategy Aims To Lift Profits
Meat Industry Association (MIA) chairman Bill Falconer says there are no pre-conceived ideas of what the MIA/Beef & Lamb NZ sponsored meat sector strategy …
Trade: WTO Apple Ruling Lifts Barriers For Exports
NZ’s determined pursuit of its rights of access to the Australian apple market has implications for other exports of primary produce which end up …
Land Tenure: High Country Rents Put On Fairer Basis
Exactly how much rent to charge for the 231 pastoral leases of NZ’s photographically iconic high country farms has been a fraught discussion for …
Dairy Sector: Fonterra Says Milk Supply Low
There are a lot of nationally important issues playing out as the Govt figures out whether and how much, to whom, Fonterra should have …
Dairy: Calf Inducement Publicity Hurts Dairy Sector
Agriculture Minister David Carter calls it a beat-up and a one-sided story. He’s referring to the TVNZ item on inducing calves as part of …
Land Management: Farming and electricity industry expansion
The electricity industry is undergoing rapid expansion to try to keep up with growing demand and this means more physical impacts on farmland. It …
Farm Expertise: Export of farm know-how shows one size doesn’t fit all
Whatever the spin put on PGG Wrightson’s sale of its 11.5% stake of 28.1m shares in NZ Farming Systems Uruguay to Singaporean agribusiness and …
Regulation: Fed Farmers Hits At Big Government, Weak Capital Markets
Federated Farmers president Don Nicolson found the perfect soapbox for rural tub-thumping at the NZ Shareholders Assn AGM. By his numbers, pastoral agriculture generated …
Farms Left Out Of Energy Strategy
The draft energy efficiency strategy announced by Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee is short on both incentives and policy action. Instead we’re presented with a …
Meat Sector: Meat strategy timely, provided industry buys in
If the meat sector ever needed to get a strategy right, now’s a pretty good time to get a shared plan cranking. The just-announced …
Foreign Investment: Asian INterests Grab Milk Assets
The debate stirred by the potential sale of the 16 Crafar Farms to Hong Kong Chinese interests needs to be put in context. Hong …
Farm Management: Value of nutrient blocks questioned
Nutrition blocks are not an effective means of providing nutrients to livestock. Dr Neville Grace says the biggest problem with the blocks is the …
Emissions: Carbon Answer Lies In The Ground
Leading Australian scientist Professor Tim Flannery claims farmers can solve NZ’s carbon issues through how they treat their soil. Flannery is a well-known champion …
Food Prices: Food Prices Fall Most In Decades
Fonterra’s monthly milk powder auctions have shown a leveling off in prices economists say is inevitable given the meteoric rise from their trough a …
Farm Emissions: Australia, NZ Seeing Eye To Eye On Emissions
NZ and Aust may not yet share a common currency, but the recent annual Closer Economic Relations meeting between the country’s respective agriculture ministers …
Meat Industry: Silver Fern envious of Fonterra’s shareholder vote
Fonterra’s shareholders’ unanimous vote in favour of share trading among farmers has met the approval of southern-based meat company Silver Fern Farms. SFF chairman …
Dairy Sector: Will Fonterra share trading go to Stage 4?
Fonterra’s 10,500 farmer-suppliers have approved a plan to establish a restricted market in its shares, open only to members of the co-operative, in what …
Wool Industry: Wool Gains New “Single Voice”
The Wool Industry has got a national body back – signed up members include PGG Wrightson and Elders, who have competing marketing schemes. One …
NZ Trade: Vegetable growers facing battle against imports
Latest figures from Statistics NZ show domestic vegetable producers are suffering at the hands of a rising tide of vegetable imports. Between 2005 and …
NZ Dairy Sector: Carter challenges Fed Farmers to justify subs
Farmers have found a taste for voting with their feet in recent years – witness the end of the wool levy. Agriculture Minister David …
Rural Lobbying: Cater Challenges Fed Farmers To Justify Subscriptions
Farmers have found a taste for voting with their feet in recent years – witness the end of the wool levy. Agriculture Minister David …
Tax: End to gift duty will be fillip for farming families
Revenue Minister Peter Dunne has flagged the Govt is considering ending gift duty – the impost originally put in place to prevent people avoiding …
Meat Industry: Dairy outlook bullish but with ups and downs
A bullish assessment by MAF in its Situation and Outlook report for the primary sector suggests dairy exports will soar almost 60% by value …
Dairy Sector: Dairy Outlook Bullish, But With Ups And Downs
A bullish assessment by MAF in its Situation and Outlook report for the primary sector suggests dairy exports will soar almost 60% by value …
Irrigation: Shorter is better for centre pivot irrigators
New research on the effectiveness of centre pivot irrigators suggest the old maxim of longer is better and more efficient may not be the …
Emissions: Dairy Intensification needed to combat ETS
Fedfarmers claims MAF’s own cost figures for the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), indicate the national dairy herd will need to expand by 88,000 cows …
Farm Finance: Higher Interest rates Won’t Help Farming Cause
Federated Farmers didn’t have any real chance of success when it pleaded with Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard on the eve of his policy …
Research: Boost For Research On insect resistant grasses
The Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) has invested of $1.73m into research and product development to help deter wildlife (birds) and insects from eating crops. …
Trade: FTA talks with Russia positive step
NZ could be justifiably proud of the growth in exports to Russia in the past decade, at close to 270%, were it not for …
Rural Politics: Breakaway Rural Party Still In Incubator
Don’t get too excited about any early rising of a rural political party in NZ. There’s a fair bit of discontent about the Emissions …
Emissions: Review steps built into adding farming to ETS
NZ has two opportunities to change its mind on bringing agriculture into the ETS in 2015. Agriculture Minister David Carter says the date was …
Dairy Sector: Exuberant predictions for milk payment contain risks
Fonterra’s announcement of a forecast 2011 milk payment of $6.90 to $7.10 is encouraging news but the headline grabber was chairman Henry van der …
Emissions: Productivity key to reducing emissions
Improved farm productivity could cut on-farm greenhouse gas emissions from sheep by up to 12%. This is the claim by AgResearch scientist Stewart Ledgard …
NZ Exports: Tax changes tilt things in favour of NZ over Australia
Farmers will be among those with companies set to benefit from the reduction in the corporate tax rate to 28%. Chapman Tripp tax partner …
NZ Budget: Agriculture And Science Gain In Budget Focused On Tax
Agriculture Minister David Carter didn’t have much new to announce in the Budget even though his statement says primary sector investment is being prioritised. …
Stock Managment: Tackling stressed stock
When stock become stressed nutritionally the effects of other diseases becomes more apparent. Parasitism is greatest in light stock and when grazing feed close …
NZ Dairy Industry: Dairy companies hold off decisions on raw milk uptake
Independent dairy companies are re-assessing the economics of buying milk from Fonterra now the raw milk price is set at the farmgate plus 10c …
NZ Research Funding: Rural Services Companies Will Vie For R&D Grants
Rural researchers are upbeat about the message the Govt is sending about the place of Researcg & Development as an economic tool to create …
NZ Emissions Policy: Scrapping ETS will not hit NZ’s agriculture exports
ACT’s Climate Change Spokesman John Boscawen has poured scorn on Agriculture Minister David Carter’s claim the Govt needs to proceed with the Emissions Trading …
Dairy Sector: Latest Fonterra auction result bodes well
A slight dip in the price of milk powder in Fonterra’s online auction this month is being cheered, because it means the previous month’s …
Rural Shares: Rural Portfolio Receivership Signals Big Changes
Rural Portfolio (RPI), the investment vehicle of Craig Norgate and Baird McConnon, lost its representation on the board of PGG Wrightson when their company …
Farm Technology: Farmside boosts rural broadband
Farmside, NZ’s leading rural telecommunications provider, has raised the standard in data provision for rural NZers by offering a full 14 hour off-peak plan …
Dairy Sector: Milk payment hike points to enduring recovery in prices
Fonterra, as expected, has raised its forecast milk fat payment and more heartening, chairman Henry van der Heyden has advised farmers to assume a …
NZ Emissions: Govt Sticks To ETS As Aust fades, Lobbyists Get Agitated
Mounting business and farm lobby group pressure on the Govt is so far having no effect on its commitment to introducing the half-measures version …
Farm Finances: New tax rules impact on farmers
Newly introduced withholding tax payment rules affect farmers who hire contractors. The changes require any farmer hiring any type of contractor, individuals, partnership, trusts …
NZ Wool Industry: AgResearch job cuts signal loss of wool expertise
AgResearch’s announcement it will eliminate up to 36 positions, with the biology of wool being the hardest hit area of research, is a further …
NZ Farm Exports: KPMG Report Nothing New Says Carter
KPMG’s warning of a 5-year window before NZ’s farm produce gets undercut on world markets may be a reminder too late, says Agriculture Minister …
Farm Economics: Brighter times ahead for farmers – Carter
Despite the predictions of the “KPMG Agribusiness Agenda” report (see p1) farmers have a buoyant long term future once the current economic squeeze on …
NZ Dairy Sector: Fonterra milk output wilts – share redemptions may jump
The drought in the upper North Island has kicked in a month or six weeks later than big dry of 2007-2008, which cost Fonterra …
Rural Exports: Developing World A Big Threat To NZ’s Agriculture Exports
NZ agriculture has as little as five years to radically overhaul its business model before the growth in large scale intensive agriculture in emerging …
Farm Maintenance: Turning Crop Paddocks Back Into Productive Pasture
Returning paddocks to pasture after summer cropping is a year-long commitment. Technical Consultant at Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Murray Lane, offers some advice.
Post crop, allow …
Farm Emissions: Kiwi lamb’s carbon footprint calculated
New research has found a 100gm serving of NZ lamb consumed in Britain carries a carbon “cost” of 1.9kgs of carbon dioxide. The AgResearch …
NZ Dairy Sector: Fonterra Announces Protective Farmer-Only Share Trading
Fonterra has announced proposals to allow share trading among farmers. It is a move the co-op says will free up more capital for business …
Farm Management: Weight, rolling resistance and machinery efficiency
Bigger implements and tractors are generally seen as keys to boosting on farm efficiency but it is important not to get into a situation …
NZ Dairy Sector: Fonterra upbeat on outlook as prices stabilise
Fonterra CEO Andrew Ferrier has delivered an upbeat assessment of the year ahead, amid signs global prices for milk products have stabilised after a …
NZ Farm Exports: Carter Signs Dairy Co-Operation Accord With China
NZ’s finest agricultural technologists were on display in China in a delegation led by Agriculture Minister David Carter. The visit is part of a …
NZ Rural Land Sector: Farm prices collapse as easy money dries up
Farmers and rural investors hoping to cash in on what seemed like the relentless rise in rural land prices have been brought down to …
NZ Dairy Sector: ‘Dirty Dairy’ Tag sticks As Effluent Compliance slides
Fonterra’s announcement of new annual checks on its suppliers’ effluent management is a swift response to a disappointing increase in non-compliant farms. Agriculture Minister …
Rural Communications: Broadband To Deliver Online Tools To More Farmers
Communications Minister Steven Joyce says Cabinet’s decision to approve the roll out of rural broadband means a “big improvement” for rural communities, especially those …
Sheep Indstry: Early breeding key to hogget lamb boost
Breeding hoggets sooner could be the key to giving birth to heavier lambs according to Massey University research trials. The trials come as increasing …
NZ Dairy Industry: Cheese Processors Status confirmed by high court ruling
When Fonterra was established, enabling legislation required it provide some raw milk to rival processors as a way to leaven its dominance of the …
Farm Regulation: Some Gains For Farmers In Horizons Environmental battle
Federated Farmers has mounted one of its biggest campaigns to battle the Horizons Regional Council’s proposed One Plan, characterising the all-encompassing resources strategy as …
Farm Employment: Farmers urged to tidy up employment contracts
FedFarmers wants farmers to tighten farm employment practices following revelations one in four farm employees do not have written employment contracts. FedFarmers president Don …
NZ Water: Canterbury water authority proposal gaining ground
Proposals to create a specialist water agency to deal with pressing Canterbury water allocation issues are gaining a favourable hearing in the Beehive, with …
Wool Sector: Independent Leadership For Wool Industry Body
Following on from the release of the Wool Taskforce report, Agriculture Minister David Carter will shortly announce the appointment of someone to devise the …
Rural Technologies: New maps can help unlock soil fertility mysteries
Electromagnetic mapping of your farm could help you improve productivity. Here are four things you need to know.
1.Electromagnetic (EM) maps measure variations in soil …
Welfare code for dairy cattle is needed
NZ now has a welfare code for the treatment of dairy cattle, the first time diverse rules and regulations have been compiled in one …
Rural Economy: Wrightson’s Restores Confidence With Anderson As Chair
PGG Wrightson’s appointment of highly respected corporate leader John Anderson as chairman marks an important milestone in its journey to restore confidence in the …
Fertiliser Prices: Fertiliser prices likely to increase in 2010
Ballance Agri-Nutrients CEO Larry Bilodeau is warning farmers to expect rises in fertiliser prices this year due to the implications of the recovery from …
NZ Farm Sales: Dairy farms suffer hangover as sales dwindle
Sales of dairy farms all but dried up last month, with just seven sales nationally. The Real Estate Institute noted “a distinct lack of …
Wool Industry: Wool Taskforce Leaves Questions Unanswered
Agriculture Minister David Carter is well aware the report he commissioned into the wool industry could sink without trace. He’s given the Taskforce plenty …
Cattle Breeding: KiwiCross coming to the fore for NZ dairying
In only five years, a new breed of dairy sire – KiwiCross – has moved up the popularity stakes and is now breeding a …
Lamb Exports: Lamb export growth lies in China and Middle East
Meat companies are copping some unfair flak from farmers and industry watchers who gripe about prices received from supplying Europe’s supermarkets. But Keith Woodford, …
NZ Rural Sector: Feds Happy After Key Flags Water progress, No Land Tax
Federated Farmers felt empowered this week appearing before the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee. John Key’s agenda-setting address for the opening of Parliament nailed …
Dairy Prices: Farmers Unlikely To See Repeat Of 2009 Milk Price In 2010
Milk powder in Fonterra’s online auction declined for a second month amid expectations of increased output from northern hemisphere producers. Fonterra chairman Henry van …
Fertiliser: Peak phosphorous poses threat to farming
An inevitable tightening of global supplies of phosphorus could prove a major challenge to modern farming practices. Unlike nitrogen, which can by synthesised from …
Rural Economy: Profitability set to tumble for sheep & beef farmers
Sheep and beef farm profitability is set to fall almost 50% this season on the back of falling farm incomes and the continuing adverse …
Animal Tracking: NAIT Gets Green Light As Feds Fight Rearguard Action
Farmer pleas to have the compulsory National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) project scraped have, as expected, fallen on deaf ears with NAIT being …
NZ Dairy Sector: Organic boom behind push for organic dairy farmers
Good news for North island dairy farmers. Taranaki based The Organic Dairy Co-operative wants to more than double its supplier base as it struggles …
Economic Debate – Factory Farming Or Not?
It is reasonable to suppose the parties behind proposals to farm 18,000 or so cows under cover in the Mackenzie have done their sums …
Water Strategy: Irrigation schemes left high and dry by Govt
The Govt is pouring cold water on the prospect of it helping pay for irrigation schemes. David Carter says “..we won’t be going back …
Wool Sector: Carter issues warning over wool industry
David Carter has issued a blunt warning over the future of the wool industry unless it can get its act together quickly and accept …
NZ Wool Industry: Merino Growers Weight Levy Replacement
Merino growers met last year in the wake of the rejection of Meat & Wool NZ’s wool levy to consider a separate impost for …
Water Conservation: Fears Mackenzie Basin Will Derail Water Reforms
Close observers of the water policy reform process are deeply concerned the Mackenzie Basin intensive farming proposal could derail the wider intentions of the …
Farm Input Prices: Fertiliser supplies may run short, prices likely to rise
Agricultural lender Rabobank is warning the sudden drop in farm spending on inputs such as fertiliser may leave the industry short of supply for …
Factory Farming: Mackenzie proposal on first Cabinet meeting agenda
Cabinet meets for the first time this year on January the 19th and high on the agenda will be consideration of calling in the …
NZ Wool Sector: Axing of levy could drive up shearing costs
Farmers are likely to end up paying more for shearing as result of their decision earlier in the year to cull the wool levy, …
NZ Wool Industry: Cost of cutting surplus scouring capacity highlighted
The wool industry may have taken a battering in recent years but leading exporter Wool Services International (WSI) is predicting brighter times ahead. MD …
NZ Dairy Sector: Forward prices at Fonterra milk powder sale
Milk powder prices have climbed for a fifth straight month, reaching a 15-month high in December. The last sale for 2009 caps a remarkable …
NZ Agricultural Emissions: Wide Support for ‘Global Emissions Alliance’ meeting
NZ’s push for a ‘Global Alliance’ on agricultural greenhouse gas mitigation research has been given a strong nudge forward, with at least 20 nations …
NZ Farm Finance: Rural lending patterns under scrutiny by Reserve Bank
The RBNZ is consulting with banks over their pattern of rural lending and will require them to change their model in coming months to …
NZ Meat Industry: Silver Fern, Alliance Look At Sourcing lamb From Uruguay
John Key has made clear farmers are expected to take their additional burden for agricultural emissions. Comparisons with Aust need to be made carefully. …
NZ Meat Industry: Silver Fern, Alliance look at sourcing lamb from Uruguay
Silver Fern Farms may move to a global strategy for sourcing meat for export markets, with an initial evaluation of lamb from Uruguay. CEO …
NZ Farm Lending: Rural Lending Patterns Under Scrutiny By Reserve Bank
The RBNZ is consulting with banks over their pattern of rural lending and will require them to change their model in coming months to …
NZ Farm Emissions: Think tank urges refocusing policy away from emissions
With December’s UN climate change conference in Copenhagen looming, a Wellington think tank is suggesting NZ de-emphasise greenhouse gas emissions. The self-funded report from …
NZ Meat and Wool Funding: Meat & Wool slashes projects in wake of lost levy
Meat & Wool has taken the inevitable step to tighten its budget after wool growers voted to dump their funding levy. Chairman Mike Petersen …
Dairy Trade Protectionism: Dairy protection fight ends in ‘draw’
A 50% rebound in dairy product prices from their lows may achieve what diplomacy failed to – taking the wind out of export subsidies …
ECan review crucial for water management
The Govt is likely to enjoy a relatively smooth process in its review of Environment Canterbury (ECan), with a more sympathetic chairman, Alec Neill, …
NZ Emissions Trading: NZ Farmers Eye Aust ETS Ructions Over Agriculture
The Rudd Govt is about to launch a second attempt to push its Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS), an emissions trading scheme-equivalent, through both …
NZ Irrigation Schemes: Water metering set to boost farm efficiency
Canterbury farmers will be able to farm more efficiently with approved water metering technology by taking much of the guess work out of water …
NZ Emisisons Trading Policy: Fonterra seeks urgent changes to ETS
Fonterra is seeking an urgent change to the ETS to ensure every part of the dairy supply chain, from farm to transport and processing, …
NZ Farm Safety – ACC Levy Increase Whacks Farmers Bent On Saving Costs
Fed farmers wants the Govt to reign in what it sees as excesses in the way the Accident Compensation Corporation works claiming it has …
NZ Emissions Trading: Farmers get ‘generous’ treatment under ETS scheme
Changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme, delaying the inclusion of agriculture by two years, reflect Climate Change Minister Nick Smith’s belief the primary sector …
NZ Accident Compensation: ACC levy increase whacks farmers bent on trimming costs
Fed farmers wants the Govt to reign in what it sees as excesses in the way the Accident Compensation Corporation works claiming it has …
NZ Commodity Exports: Commodity index jumps fuelled by dairy rebound
The latest ANZ commodity price index is good news for farmers’ cash-flow prospects with world prices for NZ’s export commodities soaring 6.8% in September, …
NZ Rural Business: Silver Fern Secures At Least $21m
South Island meat co-operative Silver Fern Farms, has ended up raising a tenth of the funds it would have garnered by selling a half …
Wool industry to move forward with strategy taskforce
Agriculture Minister David Carter is to assemble a taskforce for the wool industry to devise a unified strategy after farmers voted against continuation of …
Kiwi dollar likely to climb from 14-month high
Business confidence bounded to a 10-year high last month and there’s likely more to come, since the survey was taken before Fonterra announced the …
NZ Wool Industry Planning: Wool industry to move forward with strategy taskforce
Agriculture Minister David Carter is to assemble a taskforce for the wool industry to devise a unified strategy after farmers voted against continuation of …
Timing augers well for Fonterra’s recapitalisation
Fonterra has timed its restructuring, payment forecast and earnings announcements perfectly. Within a week, the co-operative had told farmers they could subscribe for more …
RUC changes could boost farm profitability
Farmers are hoping the switch to electronic Road User Charges (RUC) licences will lead to a reduction in farm freight transport costs. Last week …
Agriculture off the hook for the ETS – for now
Farmers have won some valuable breathing space with the Govt’s decision to hold off on their inclusion in the Emissions Trading Scheme until 2015. …
NZ Road User Charges: RUC changes could boost farm profitability
Farmers are hoping the switch to electronic Road User Charges (RUC) licences will lead to a reduction in farm freight transport costs. Last week …
NZ Emissions Trading: Agriculture off the hook for the ETS – for now
Farmers have won some valuable breathing space with the Govt’s decision to hold off on their inclusion in the Emissions Trading Scheme until 2015. …
Dairy industry restructuring: Fonterra Details Future Financial Direction
Fonterra’s farmers will be allowed to hold shares up to 120% of their production under the co-operative’s proposal to strengthen its capital structure, giving …
Fonterra Details Future Financial Direction
Fonterra’s farmers will be allowed to hold shares up to 120% of their production under the co-operative’s proposal to strengthen its capital structure, giving …
Palm kernel imports under threat from Greens
Dairy farmers could potentially face higher supplementary feed costs as the pressure goes on the Govt to stop palm kernel imports. The Greens are …
Broadband breakthrough for rural New Zealand
FedFarmers believes its intensive work with the Govt is behind it announcing new targets for rural broadband at a cost of $300m which FedFarmers …
Fonterra looks to its farmers to fund growth
Fonterra’s biggest sales job may be in convincing its farmers to accept the implications of shutting the cooperative to outside equity interests – growth …
Bollard buys time as high kiwi hampers exports
FedFarmers didn’t get the interest rate cut it barracked for in the run up to this month’s central bank statement but Governor Alan Bollard …
Fonterra in ‘training’ for new corporate structure
It will be the biggest shake-up to the structure of the dairy industry since Fonterra was created in 2001. The co-operative is moving toward …
Colour focus aims to keep customers buying NZ lamb
AgResearch scientists are examining ways to maintain the desired shade of red in meat without compromising tenderness as consumers choose red meat primarily on …
UK rural property investors target NZ farms
A lack of faith in global banking and financial institutions is driving wealthy British farmers and institutional money managers to look at large scale …
Canterbury Water strategy will force change
The draft Canterbury Water Management Strategy is a bold effort to settle protracted disputes over how to allocate the region’s increasingly scarce water resource, …
Water Decisions Will Affect NZ Farming Growth
Herding cats up a hill is an over-used phrase. But former diplomat Alastair Bisley will have to bring all his skills to bear on …
Keeping teenagers safe on farm ATVs
ACC statistics show 300 children were injured in ATV accidents between 2006 and 2008 while between 2000 and 2006, 212 children were hospitalised and …
Water forum has big task to pull groups into line
The Land and Water Forum, given just under a year to reach consensus on the future of water allocation, has a big task persuading …
Fonterra looks to expand milk production in China
Fonterra is forging ahead with its expansion plans in China as it looks to put the SanLu Group scandal behind it and move to …
Two-Year Drought Put Dairy And Meat “Out Of Sync”
Dairy and sheep farmers came to the 2007-2009 drought from very different parts of the economic cycle, which probably exacerbated the impact. This is …
Science advisor says agriculture research lacking
The chief science adviser to the PM is calling for greater emphasis on scientific research particularly in the agriculture sector. Sir Peter Gluckman says …
Debt burdened dairy farmers could get creamed
Finance expert Roger Wilson a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers predicts heavily indebted dairy farmers could fail to survive the current payout slump. He says dairy …
Fonterra backs conditional approach to emission targets
John Hutchings, Fonterra’s general manager for sustainable production says meeting the proposed new targets for emissions reductions will be “very difficult” for the agricultural …
Keep focus on marginal returns
Dairy NZ economist Matthew Newman says farmers need to focus on the average cost of milk production and operating expenses per kg of milk …
Emissions can be cut cheaply, say Greens
The Greens say NZ’s dairy sector should switch to a lower intensity, lower input farming model to help cut agriculture emissions and concentrate of …
Milk powder sale brings note of caution
Analysts and farmers alike are quick to warn against taking too much from the 26% jump in prices at this month’s online milk powder …
Farm sector energy hungry Stats NZ
NZ’s farming sector is close on the heels of the mining sector as the biggest consumer of energy in the primary industry sector, information …
Rural people ‘don’t understand role of urban NZ’ – MAF
MAF says new research shows there is a lack of understanding among rural people about the role of urban NZ and this is hampering …
Farmers belie MAF’s upbeat view of global food demand
MAF’s latest snapshot of agriculture and forestry is for four years of rising returns but farmers are far from cheery about their situation. Federated …
Fertiliser challenges not as bad as the 1980s
Farmers are clearly struggling to afford the fertiliser tonnages they need to optimise production, but the situation is not as bad as when subsidies …
Call for balance in emissions target
NZ’s post-2012 climate change policies, including any 2020 emissions target, must balance environmental and financial implications. Meat & Wool NZ Chairman, Mike Petersen, says …
Fonterra ‘comfortable’ with $4.55 payment forecast
Fonterra chairman Henry van der Heyden says he is “still comfortable” with its forecast milk fat payment of $4.55 a kg for 2010, even …
First DNA proven calf pointer to breeding future
The first DNA proven calf has been born in NZ. The nameless calf is the son of Cow 90 which leapt to fame last …
Rural funding for irrigation scheme dries up
A proposed mid-Canterbury irrigation scheme south of the Rakaia River has issued a $30m prospectus but looks unlikely to receive much support as the …
Fonterra’s milk-powder auction gets thumbs up from MAF
Officials at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry have concluded no blame for the drop in dairy prices can be sheeted home to Fonterra’s …
Wind could help blow away food miles arguments
In the battle to fight the growing scourge of food miles campaigns, Kiwifruit exporter, Zespri International, may be pointing the way to the future …
Migrant workers need more support – Rural Women
Rural Women, says the economic downturn is starting to hurt overseas farm workers who were brought in to fill labour shortages on farms. Social …
Fonterra Consolidates Business In Shake-Up
Fonterra will return to where it started by consolidating its diverse core operations into a single business unit, having separated them out shortly after …
Queen of calves boost growth rates
Milk production from cows can be boosted by up to 18% by rearing them on the Queen of Calves programme. This is the finding …
Councils threatened with BIG STICK over RMA woes
Eight councils predominantly in rural areas including Environment Canterbury, have been warned an administrator could be sent in to run them if they do …
Measuring Ag Emissions Too Costly – study
Agriculture’s inclusion in an Emissions Trading Scheme from 2013 is in doubt following advice to the Parliamentary Select Committee reviewing the scheme the …
Futures market casts more doubt on on-line auction
Fed Farmers is welcoming consultation by NZX to create a NZ futures market but says it cannot co-exist with the on line whole milk …
Higher input prices hammer sheep and beef sector
Sheep and beef on-farm inflation hit 7.6 % in the year to March 2009. Meat & Wool NZ’s Economic Service, Executive Director, Rob Davison …
Fresh water management looms over tradeable rights
The Govt aims to bring all interested parties inside the tent on water management this year. The Land and Water Forum, representing agriculture, industry, …
Near Normal Winter Weather Likely
With La Niña over, NIWA is predicting a near-normal winter through to the end of July, meaning there should be few surprises in store …
New Research Could Boost Dairy Cow Productivity
AgResearch scientists have uncovered some vital clues in their quest to improve production in NZ dairy cows. Dr Kuljeet Singh and her team have …
“Modest improvement” Tipped For Farm Profits
National Bank’s Rural Report predicts farm profitability for 2009-2010 will to show a modest improvement over last year’s results on the back of firmer …
Niwa picks cold dry spring
Farmers are being warned to expect a relatively cold spring, dry conditions in drought-prone regions and much wetter than average conditions in the far …
Heavier trucks could save farmers thousands
FedFarmers is predicting farmers could save thousands of dollars in transport costs annually if the Govt goes ahead with a permit scheme allowing trucks …
SFF bets more farmers will back restructuring
Silver Fern Farm’s supplier shareholders are in a more positive mood this year, bolstering the chances of success for the co-operative’s restructuring plans at …
FedFarmers launches new rural jobs website
Rural employers struggling to locate qualified workers may find their search easier thanks to a new job website being launched by FedFarmers. …
Fertiliser prices fall as commodity prices sink
Good news for farmers with Ravensdown announcing further fertiliser price reductions due to falling international commodity prices as the company moves to ensure farm …
New scheme takes over from Fast Forward
National has announced the replacement for Labour’s $700m Fast Forward Fund which was abolished last year. The Primary Growth Partnership (PGP), starts off without …
Scientists hit out at slashing of ag research fund
The Union representing many of the country’s top agriculture scientists says slashing science funding is short-sighted and will make it harder for NZ to …
New US farm subsidies under attack
The Govt is under pressure to take the strongest possible measures against a decision by the US Govt to reintroduce export subsidies on dairy …
Pig farm scandal may stoke NZ sales of red meat
Farmers are expecting some pick up in domestic sales of beef and lamb in the wake of publicity over Colin Kay’s Levin pig farm. …
Feds prepare 5-point strategy for ETS response
FedFarmers will shortly launch a five-point response to the threat posed by climate change, starting with the removal of agriculture from the Emissions Trading …
Proposal looms for all-encompassing red meat strategy
David Carter will announce plans to develop a red-meat industry strategy in the next few weeks. “Considerable work is being done by MAF. The …
Lamb returns up almost a third in six months
Export figures show NZ lamb and beef prices continuing to strengthen in spite of the difficult global economy. Export lamb returns for the first …
Feds prepare 5-point strategy for ets response
FedFarmers will shortly launch a five-point response to the threat posed by climate change, starting with the removal of agriculture from the Emissions Trading …
Proposal looms for all-encompassing red meat strategy
David Carter will announce plans to develop a red-meat industry strategy in the next few weeks. “Considerable work is being done by MAF. The …
Lamb prices sky rocket as supply shrinks
Those farmers who have stuck with sheep are reaping some consolation from the strangulated lamb supply born in spring 2008 as prices rocket up …
Fonterra reviews milk ownership in Aust, sells ice cream
Fonterra has embarked on a review of its regional liquid milk assets in Aust as it focuses on national sales of cheeses, spreads, yoghurts …
Soaring meat sales helps record month of exports
Merchandise trade data for March shows exports of meat and offal jumped 26% to $606m despite the global economic slowdown. Tight supply of sheep …
Fonterra’s dairy exports to China set to treble
Fonterra has put the tainted milk affair at its former Sanlu joint venture behind it and is on track to treble its dairy exports …
Institutes blanch at conference on more mergers
Nervous Crown Research Institutes are dragging their feet over a FedFarmers initiative to host a pre-budget summit on mergers between CRIs and universities. Using …
Broadband, research vital on feds budget wish list
FedFarmers have set out their wish list for the rural sector from the upcoming budget. CEO, Connor English, says a share of broadband funding …
Companies Look To Boost Ag Technology Sales In US
NZ’s agricultural equipment and service provider sector is launching a major export push into North America. If successful, it could signal the start of …
DOC, LINZ Must Share Burden Of SI Rabbit Plague – Carter
Agriculture Minister, David Carter, says the Dept of Conservation and Land Information NZ must play a bigger role in curbing the explosion in rabbit …
Irrigation Scheme Backers Battle To Salvage Rights
The Central Plains Water Trust (CPWT) has been granted time to build a case to keep the resource application open after the commissioners hearing …
Auckland Reform Implications Concern For Farmers
Farmers are voicing concerns the fall out from the proposed reforms of local Govt in the Auckland region could adversely impact on the viability …
Feds Call For NZ To Follow Danish Lead On ETS
Denmark is showing the way for NZ to follow on emissions trading by ditching its proposed tax on farm animal emissions. FedFarmers’ Don Nicolson …
NZ Could Lead World In Methane Reduction Research
One of NZ’s most respected climate change scientists says NZ is wasting an extraordinary opportunity to lead the world in research on reducing methane …
Fonterra’s Dairy Stock Pile Set To Shrink
Good news for anxious Fonterra suppliers concerned about weak markets. The co-operative will have worked through its shipment backlog by August meaning stockpiles which …
Live Export Resumption Offers Boon To Sheep Farmers
David Carter is talking up the potential benefits of the lifting of the moratorium on live sheep exports from NZ from 2010. He claims …
Merger Could Provide Major Boost For Agriculture
AgResearch and Lincoln University have announced plans to investigate a merger of the two institutions which, if approved by the Govt, could happen as …
Water Storage Grant Expansion Boost For Farmers
The expansion of the Community Irrigation Fund (CIF) enabling local authorities to apply for rural water storage grants represents a significant boost for farmers. …
ETS Better Than Carbon Tax For Farmers – Westpac
Westpac is warning in its latest bulletin if NZ farmers are required to pay a carbon tax or participate in an ETS, they might …
Ways To Manipulate Farm Environments
Farmers should consistently look for opportunities to make improvements to their farm systems and environment. Here are some initiatives you can take.
Increase pasture utilisation …
Milk Powder Rebound A Swallow Not A Summer?
Fonterra has been careful not to make too big a deal of the 16.6% jump in whole milk powder prices at its latest online …
South Korea Moves Away From Farm Protectionism
Trade Minister, Tim Groser, says South Korea President Lee Myung-Bak’s flying visit this month, culminating in a commitment to free trade agreement talks, shows …
Wool Partners Road Show Drumming Up Support
Theresa Gattung is winning support as she tours with the Wool Partners International road show, aiming to convince farmers to invest in a marketing …
Feds At Loggerheads Over Milk Powder Auctions Review
Fonterra is resisting a request from dairy farmers for an independent review of the GlobalDairyTrade auction system. Executives and directors of the co-operative who …
Aust Cools On 2015 Deadline For Farming Emissions
Aust’s Govt is cooling on the prospect of including agriculture in its emissions trading scheme by 2015, raising the prospect of NZ farmers being …
India FTA Winner For Sheep Farmers
Sheep farmers are likely to be the big winners from a proposed free-trade deal with India, which could open a vast untapped market for …
SFF Stoush Raises Doubts Over Wrightson Debt Levels
The prospect of PGG Wrightson having to pay substantial damages to Silver Fern Farms over its failed deal to buy half of the meat …
Feds Want DoC’s Advocacy Role Curtailed
The controversy over Meridian paying DoC $175,000 in exchange for it withdrawing its opposition to Project Hayes wind farm highlights the urgent need to …
Advocacy Only Weapon Against Subsidies – Groser
Trade Minister, Tim Groser, has a sobering reality check for farmers regarding our ability to influence decision on imposition of subsidies. He says advocacy …
Land Transport Regulations Changes Benefit Farmers
A year of lobbying by the Agricultural Transport Forum (ATF) and FedFarmers has led to the exemption of tractors and agricultural vehicles from the …
National Quietly Dumps Agriculture Innovation Fund
National has completed the dismantling of the $700m investment in primary sector innovation through the NZ Fast Forward fund. Opposition agriculture spokesperson, Jim Anderton, …
Need for Aust And NZ To Co-Ordinate ETS Policies
David Carter believes Aust and NZ should co-ordinate their policies on emissions trading schemes. At their first bilateral meeting he told his Aust counterpart, …
Proposed RMA Changes Not Enough For Farmers
FedFarmers is not letting up on the Govt to push harder and faster with further changes to the RMA. It sees the announced changes …
Timing Of Farm Entry To ETS Features In Talks
Agriculture Minister, David Carter, has met his Aust counterpart for the first time in a meet and greet with Tony Burke, the former union …
Changes To Local Government Tipped
Agriculture Minister, David Carter, says farmers should look for changes in behaviour of their local govt agencies, especially in the handling of resource consents, …
Water Schemes May Get Jump Start As RMA Tweaks Loom
Water storage schemes in the South Island may get a jump start soon, with reforms to the Resource Management Act going to Cabinet this …
Wool To Find Some Metered Comfort
A “Wool Comfort Meter” has been developed by scientists in Aust for lightweight wool garments. It is hoped it will help turn around the …
Tough Road Ahead To Reverse Subsidy Imposition
Discussions on the European Commission’s recent decision to reintroduce dairy export subsidies will be high on the agenda of Trade Minister Tim Groser now …
Farm Debt Levels Pointer To Financial Pain
The reign of easy money has come to an end, and this is likely to mean the run of unsustainable rises in land value …
Meat Farmers Tipped To Get Better Prices
Agricultural economists say sheep and cattle farmers can expect strong increases for both lamb and beef prices over the next few months. Lamb prices …
Climate Change Research Funding Is Getting A Boost
Over $10m of new research designed to help the agriculture and forestry sectors adapt and respond to climate change has been given the green …
More Tips For Safe And Efficient Cattle Handling
• Keep your cattle yards tidy. Make sure there is a good bin on hand with a tight lid for storing rubbish such as …
Use once-a-day (OAD) milking after calving
Advantages:
- Cows do not lose condition at a rate which would normally result from twice-a-day milking. It enables cows to recover from the stress …
