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Desperate hort sector demands govt action

(Left to right) Alan Pollard, Paul Paynter, Bruce Mackay, Bruce Mitchell, John Bostock, Craig Hickson, and Harry Masterson are pleading with the Government to develop a plan to allow more Pacific Islander workers in next year.

Horticultural exporters, growers, food companies and industry leaders are pleading for the Government to make a plan to allow Pacific Island seasonal workers to return later this year.

SFF claims fourth year of profit is proof of strategy working

SFF chief executive Simon Limmer says the company now has the level of financial performance required to provide and appropriate return on investment for shareholders.

Meat processor and exporter Silver Fern Farms Co-operative (SFF) claims its $32.4 million profit for the 2020 financial year - its fourth year in a row in the black - proves its strategy is working.

China dominates meat exports

China remains the biggest market for NZ sheepmeat. Photo Credit: Kieran Scott.

The country's red meat sector exports continued to hold up during February reaching $906.7 million, analysis from the Meat Industry Association (MIA) shows.

Synlait hits troubled waters

Synlait chief executive Leon Clement will leave the troubled company at the end of April.

Dairy industry darling Synlait has hit troubled waters lately and its latest captain is baling out.

Changes wanted to stock exclusion rules

Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Sam McIvor.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand wants changes made to the stock exclusion regulations the Government introduced in August 2020 - specifically the low-slope map.

The 'worst' in 30 years of farming!

Banks Peninsula farmer Mark Hutchinson says the current 18-month-plus dry spell is the worst he's seen.

Banks Peninsula's big dry is not yet an official drought, but it has "so far" cost sheep and beef farmer Mark Hutchinson somewhere in six figures.

Many parts of the east coast of the North Island - especially from Wairoa down to Central Hawke's Bay - are in a crisis state with a severe autumn drought. Peter Burke drove through the area last week and reports that streams and springs are drying up and sheep in some places are struggling to find anything green.

Live exports dead in the water

Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor fronting at a media conference last week to announce the Government's impending ban on live animal exports.

Concerns about the threat posed to New Zealand's trading reputation by live animal exports from this country have led to a move to shut down the trade.

No land - no food!

Secretary for the Environment Vicky Robertson says for NZ to continue to grow food in the expected volumes and quality depends on land availability and soil quality.

Dealing with climate change and population growth have been singled out as two key factors that will determine land use in New Zealand.

Govt kills $500m trade

The Government's live export ban could have very real effects for farmers, say live export businesses.

Government moves to end New Zealand's live export trade will shut down a $500 million-a-year business - as well as diminish farmers' selling options and profitability.