The signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and the UK represents a significant boost for New Zealand farmers and exporters with lamb and beef eventually allowed quota and tariff-free access into the UK for the first time in decades. Under the FTA, New Zealand’s beef and sheepmeat exports to the UK […]
NZ’s “world leader” status will disappear without access to technology
Federated Farmers is deeply frustrated to see the European Union has approved the methane-reduction feed tool Bovaer® for use by its farmers. “Despite consulting on the issue two years ago, there is still no sign of our government stepping up and getting on with approving this technology for us to use as well, and therefore […]
Discussion paper outlines carbon farming threat to sheep and beef sector
Urgent national policy changes are required to ensure the increase in carbon farming to meet New Zealand’s climate change obligations does not come at the expense of the country’s rural communities, according to a discussion paper. The Green Paper by former Hastings Mayor and MP Lawrence Yule, Managing Forestry Land-Use Under the Influence of Carbon, […]
Government has to release its grip on testing
Blog written by Nick Leggett, CEO, Ia Ara Aotearoa -Transporting New Zealand As the Omicron numbers start to move to more than 1,000 a day, the testing system in New Zealand is showing the strain. Transporting New Zealand is well aware of the frustration transport operators are feeling when it comes to accessing rapid antigen […]
Charlie Perry takes out top agri-award in Australia
Leadership, vision and humility were the standout qualities that resulted in Charlie Perry taking out the 2022 Australian Zanda McDonald Award on Thursday night. Perry, who lives and works on his family owned and operated wagyu beef farm at Gurya, in Northern NSW returned to his passion for agriculture after a successful career in business […]
China FTA Upgrade enters into force in April
New Zealand’s economic recovery from COVID-19 continues to build momentum, with the Upgrade to New Zealand’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China entering into force on 7 April 2022, Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor announced today. Aotearoa New Zealand and China have now ratified the Upgrade Protocol and agreed the Entry into Force date, […]
New Zealand red meat sector achieves record exports during 2021
New Zealand’s red meat sector exports reached $10 billion in 2021 despite the disruption caused by COVID-19, according to an analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA). The exports represented a nine per cent increase on 2020. The value of red meat and co-products exported in December 2021 was also up 22 per cent year […]
Alliance launches premium Wagyu beef offer
Leading food and solutions co-operative Alliance Group has launched a Wagyu premium beef programme to farmers as it continues to build its differentiated portfolio to capture greater value and meet consumer needs across its global markets. The new supply programme, for cattle with a minimum of 50 per cent red or black Wagyu genetics, is […]
Greeting the summer visitors
Contributed by: New Zealand Walking Access Commission Summer can be a busy time for farm managers. Among the pressures they face are more people who may want permission to cross their land. Many families and tourists head into the outdoors over the holidays. So farmers and landholders have more people walking and cycling in their […]
Reducing trouble from stubble burning
Contributed by: Environment Canterbury It’s around this time of year that you may start to notice smoke from stubble burning in rural areas. Zone Lead Brian Reeves reminds us about the things we should do before lighting up to ensure better and safer outcomes for all. Last year more than 850 smoke-related complaints were lodged […]