M.I.A.
OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.
Pukekohe vegetable growers are adapting quickly to the new COVID-19 restrictions, says Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association president Kylie Faulkner.
“Some of the ruling looked impossible to start with – like the 2m distancing. But with a bit of Kiwi ingenuity we are overcoming it,” she says.
“Members were overwhelmed to start with but are adapting quickly.”
Vegetable growers are considered “essential services” by the Government and allowed to operate under the Level Four Alert lockdown.
Faulkner says it’s too early to say how the lockdown will affect vegetable supply.
“I believe there is going to be less pressure on green vegetables due to the independent fruit and vege shops being closed.
“However, it all depends on individual businesses and their capabilities with staff and other things over these times – that is, some may lose staff due to having to look after children at home.”
Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.
The global agricultural landscape has entered a new phase where geopolitics – not only traditional market forces – will dictate agricultural trade flows, prices, and production decisions.
National Lamb Day is set to return in 2026 with organisers saying the celebrations will be bigger than ever.
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.
The chance of a $10-plus milk price for this season appears to be depleting.
Keep focused on things that can be controlled on farm.

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