Tuesday, 07 July 2015 06:00

Common sense first

Written by Rural News Group

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

NZ First deserves a pat on the back for defending farmers against the furore over high milk prices.

Blaming farmers for the price of milk is wrong when supermarkets are creaming profits, says New Zealand First primary industries spokesperson Richard Prosser.

“We think it’s insulting to farmers to have fresh milk compared with Coca-Cola. Milk is a food taking skill to produce, whereas Coke is just carbonated water packed with sugar,” says Prosser.

Good on your Prosser.

Featured

Government Invests $10.49m in Dairy Beef Opportunities Programme

New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $10.49 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.

Strong Dairy and Beef Prices Lift Confidence Across New Zealand Farming Sector

New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.

Feilding’s Agribusiness Growth Driving Manawatū Economy

Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand to Connect with Farmers at Central Districts Field Days 2026

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.

Labour Caucus Portfolios Reshuffled Ahead of 2026 Election

Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.

Rural Resilience Workshops to Help Farmers Prepare for Adverse Events

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.

National

DairyNZ Calls for Changes to Government’s Proposed Resource Management Act Reform

DairyNZ says the Government’s proposed Resource Management Act reform needs further work to ensure it delivers on its intent.

Todd McClay Seeks Labour Party Support for India Free Trade Agreement

Overseas Trade Minister Todd McClay says he's working constructively with the Labour Party in the hope they will endorse the…

Trump Tariff Sparks New Uncertainty for NZ Exports

Donald Trump's latest tariff tantrum has again thrown the world of trade into a new round of turmoil and uncertainty,…

NZ Dairy Expo Gains Momentum in Matamata

The third edition of the NZ Dairy Expo, held in mid-February in Matamata, has shown that the KISS principle (keep…

From South Africa to NZ: Afimilk Success Story

Twenty years ago, South African dairy farm manager Louis Vandenberg was sent to a farm in Waikato to provide training…

Machinery & Products

Carrfields Appointed Krone and Kubota Dealer for Lower South Island

Ashburton-based Carrfields has announced that, from the New Year, it is officially authorised to sell Krone Forager Harvesters and Kubota…

Lely Surpasses €1 Billion as Dairy Robotics Demand Grows

Since its decision to concentrate on milk harvesting and animal husbandry, resulting in the selling of its agricultural machinery brands…

Nissan Reveals Fifth-Generation Navara for New Zealand

Nissan has announced details of the new fifth generation Navara.

Farm Vehicle Safety: Simple Steps That Save Lives

Decisions you make in an instant on the farm can be the difference between life and death.

Massey Ferguson 5M Series Gains Ground in NZ’s 95–145hp Utility Tractor Market

Since its official release to the New Zealand market in July 2025, the Massey Ferguson 5M Series has steadily solidified…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Visit archives

Common sense first

More like this

Global Dairy Trade Recovery Puts $9.50 Milk Price Within Reach

Fonterra slashes forecast milk price, again

Picking winners?

$10 milk price still in sight despite global dairy markets softening

Record final milk price for Miraka suppliers

Popular Reads

Hawke’s Bay Apple Grower Taylor Corporation Reports Standout 2026 Season Boosting Industry Optimism

Northland Field Days promise unforgettable 40th anniversary Celebration

Share Farmers, Managers Honoured in Wairarapa

Another Windfall for Fonterra Farmers, Unit Holders

Global Dairy Prices Surge with GDT Index Up 18% in 2026

Featured

Government Invests $10.49m in Dairy Beef Opportunities Programme

Strong Dairy and Beef Prices Lift Confidence Across New Zealand Farming Sector

Feilding’s Agribusiness Growth Driving Manawatū Economy

Beef + Lamb New Zealand to Connect with Farmers at Central Districts Field Days 2026

Labour Caucus Portfolios Reshuffled Ahead of 2026 Election

Rural Resilience Workshops to Help Farmers Prepare for Adverse Events

National

DairyNZ Calls for Changes to Government’s Proposed Resource Management Act Reform

Todd McClay Seeks Labour Party Support for India Free Trade Agreement

Trump Tariff Sparks New Uncertainty for NZ Exports

NZ Dairy Expo Gains Momentum in Matamata

From South Africa to NZ: Afimilk Success Story

Machinery & Products

Carrfields Appointed Krone and Kubota Dealer for Lower South Island

Lely Surpasses €1 Billion as Dairy Robotics Demand Grows

Nissan Reveals Fifth-Generation Navara for New Zealand

Farm Vehicle Safety: Simple Steps That Save Lives

Massey Ferguson 5M Series Gains Ground in NZ’s 95–145hp Utility Tractor Market

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

FTA and Uber Drivers

Ice Cream Deal

» eNewsletter

Common sense first

More like this

» Latest Print Issues Online

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter