Wednesday, 01 May 2024 13:00

Critical industry?

Written by  Milking It

OPINION: There's an outpouring of concern over the parlous state of one of our major industries.

Columnists and politicians are agitating loudly for government intervention to bail out this vital industry – a foundation pillar of our country that props up communities and pays the government millions in taxes, yet finds itself, for now at least, beset by high costs, low returns and an uncertain future.

Surely the outpouring of support and cries for bail-out money that Milking It refers to is for the struggling farmer sector?

Not a chance!

The handwringing and demands for a government bail-out are of course about, and driven by, the failing news media.

Wouldn’t it be great if they cared as much about an industry that most years does actually prop up the economy?

More like this

It's all about economics

OPINION: According to media reports, the eye-watering price of butter has prompted Finance Minister Nicola Willis to ask for a 'please explain' from her former employer Fonterra.

Red line on dairy

OPINION: As India negotiates to open its borders to more global products, dairy is proving a sticky issue.

Farmland security

OPINION: Paranoia about foreigners is at an all-time high in the US and attention is now turning to foreign-owned farmland.

Cuddling cows

OPINION: Years of floods and low food prices have driven a dairy farm in England's northeast to stop milking its cows and instead charge visitors to cuddle them.

Featured

2026 fresh produce trends shaping Kiwi food culture

According to the latest Fresh Produce Trend Report from United Fresh, 2026 will be a year where fruit and vegetables are shaped by cost pressures, rapid digital adoption, and a renewed focus on wellbeing at home.

Editorial: Having a rural voice

OPINION: The past few weeks have been tough on farms across the North Island: floods and storms have caused damage and disruption to families and businesses.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Battle for milk

OPINION: Fonterra may be on the verge of selling its consumer business in New Zealand, but the co-operative is not…

Birth woes

OPINION: What does the birth rate in China have to do with stock trading? Just ask a2 Milk Company.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter