Substitute for cow's milk?
OPINION: Scientists claim to have found a new way to make a substitute for cow's milk that could have a radical effect on the dairy industry.
OPINION: Take a bow, Farm Debt Mediation Scheme.
A couple who have been through farm debt mediation say the process was a huge help and relieved a lot of pressure. Facing foreclosure last year, dairy farmers Steve and Carol (names changed to protect their identity) agreed to take part in the scheme.
Their debt loading wasn't actually that high - about 51% debt to equity ratio - but they weren't making profits for about three years. So, in the end they went to bank mediation.
"We were absolutely petrified but our mediator, Tony Wilding, was so good - he completely took the fear away," they say.
Run by the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Farm Debt Mediation Scheme gives struggling farmers the chance to work through debt problems with their bank, using independent mediators.
By law, banks must offer mediation before taking any debt enforcement action against farmers or farm businesses. Also, farmers can ask for mediation at any time.
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
OPINION: Scientists claim to have found a new way to make a substitute for cow's milk that could have a…
OPINION: The Irish have come up with a novel way to measure cow belching, which is said to account for…