MSA triumph
OPINION: Methane Science Accord, a farmer-led organisation advocating for zero tax on ruminant methane, will be quietly celebrating its first foray into fertiliser co-operative governance.
Fertiliser co-op Ravensdown says it is working with the emergency services as a fire at its manufacturing facility in Hornby, Christchurch is brought under control.
“All staff are safe and no injuries have been reported,” said Greg Campbell, chief executive of Ravensdown.
Fifty-seven people work at the plant. Emergency services are currently in attendance.
“The fire started at the eastern end of our storage store but it’s too early to know the cause. We will be working closely with an investigation team to identify the cause.”
“Our staff have been outstanding and have followed our procedures to ensure the site is safe for the emergency response team. I also want to thank emergency services for their response.”
“We acknowledge any inconvenience to our neighbours and we’d like to thank the well-wishers for their support.”
Campbell said Ravensdown was already working with its customers and transporters to keep them informed and help them with alternative supply options.
Ravensdown has operated at the 14ha Main South Road site since 1922.
Virtual fencing and herding systems supplier, Halter is welcoming a decision by the Victorian Government to allow farmers in the state to use the technology.
DairyNZ’s latest Econ Tracker update shows most farms will still finish the season in a positive position, although the gap has narrowed compared with early season expectations.
New Zealand’s national lamb crop for the 2025–26 season is estimated at 19.66 million head, a lift of one percent (or 188,000 more lambs) on last season, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) latest Lamb Crop report.
Farmers appear to be cautiously welcoming the Government’s plan to reform local government, according to Ag First chief executive, James Allen.
The Fonterra divestment capital return should provide “a tailwind to GDP growth” next year, according to a new ANZ NZ report, but it’s not “manna from heaven” for the economy.
Fonterra's Eltham site in Taranaki is stepping up its global impact with an upgrade to its processed cheese production lines, boosting capacity to meet growing international demand.

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