The New Zealand thoroughbred breeding industry has gained a new fan following the visit by the Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro to two of the country’s leading stud farms earlier this month. Justine Scalter, the CEO of Federated Farmers partner organisation the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, extended the invitation to introduce the sovereign’s representative […]
National
Global animal protein producers and processors must pivot in 2023 to secure future – Rabobank
Animal protein producers and processors around the world will face an “inflection point” in 2023, with a need to respond to structural changes in the market even with production levels and prices likely to remain elevated, according to a new report by agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank. In its Global Animal Protein Outlook 2022 – Deciding […]
Emissions accuracy and solutions elevated by award-winning research
A research team whose work has significantly lifted the accuracy of measuring and reporting greenhouse gases, to better track progress and help find solutions, has won the Supreme Award at this year’s Science New Zealand Awards. AgResearch’s Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Inventory Development Team has produced “excellent and significant science on an important topic for New […]
Economic Week – December 9
by Nick Clark, National Manager General Policy Livestock numbers fall Statistics NZ’s provisional Agricultural Production Statistics for the year to June 2022 show reduced livestock numbers and mostly lower production of arable crops, although the accuracy has been affected by a much lower than usual response rate. Comparing 30 June 2022 with the same date […]
Oat breeding programme receives funding boost
An oat breeding programme led by Plant Research (NZ) Ltd is the inaugural recipient of research funds from New Zealand producer, Otis Oat Mi!k. Established last year, The 1% Fund captures one percent of the plant-based milk maker’s total sales to fund New Zealand projects and initiatives that make oats a viable and exciting farming […]
Council review a chance to achieve better ratepayer equity
Yet another local government review is underway – but will its recommendations actually be picked up, especially regarding cost fairness? The existing system of property value rates is loaded against agriculture. Farmers pay many more times than other residents for council services and infrastructure, even though some of those services aren’t even available to rural […]
Government and sector back innovative regional and wool projects
$2.17 million for new food and fibre ventures in Taranaki $2.24m to develop high-value, sustainable cashmere industry $233,000 to prototype an acoustic, knitted textile product from strong wool for high-end commercial and residential interiors. $530 million co-invested with business through the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund The Government closes out the National Fieldays week […]
Economic Week – December 2
Export forecasts revised up The Ministry for Primary Industries’ Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries’ December 2022 Update has increased its forecasts for primary sector exports for the 2022/23 year. MPI is forecasting primary sector exports of $55.0 billion for the year to June 2023, $3 billion higher than what had been forecast in the […]
Government investment to support growth of Māori primary sector
The government is investing in more on-the-ground support, innovation, and workforce development as part of a new plan to grow Māori businesses and jobs in the food and fibre sector, announced Associate Agriculture Minister Meka Whaitiri. “Farmers are the backbone of our economy and our dedicated Māori primary sector plan is focussed on supporting the […]
Rabobank launches new sustainability podcast to support farm business decision making
A new sustainability-focused podcast to support the country’s farmers and growers has been launched by agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank New Zealand. The new podcast, RaboTalk – Growing our future, will feature informed opinions and healthy discussion on the future of farming and how primary producers can adapt farm strategies and systems to ensure they thrive […]