Agri sector to lead economic recovery
OPINION: Over the past month, people up and down the country have been asking me what I think is in store for the Agri sector.
A drop in fresh milk prices by 14% contributed to food prices falling by 1.3% in the year to December 2015, Statistics New Zealand says.
Lower prices for grocery foods in general also influenced the fall which is the largest since July 2012.
Grocery food prices decreased 3% over the year, led by lower prices for some dairy products, and for breads and cereals. Fresh milk prices were down 14% compared with the same period last year.
Meat, poultry, and fish prices decreased 3.8% over the year, led by lower prices for chicken. Chicken prices are now at their lowest level since January 2008.
"Chicken prices have fallen during the year, with the price for a kilo of chicken breast averaging $14.62 in December, compared with $16.60 a year ago," consumer prices manager Matt Haigh says.
Fruit and vegetable prices increased 2.4%, with higher prices for avocados and bananas.
In December food prices fell 0.8% influenced by lower prices for meat, poultry, and fish; and non-alcoholic beverages. Seasonally adjusted food prices fell 0.5%.
Meat, poultry, and fish prices fell 2.7% in the month, reflecting lower prices for chicken (down 6.2%).
"Prices rose for apples, avocados, and bananas in December," Haigh says. "Fruit prices were up 5.1%, although this rise was only 1.5% after adjusting for seasonal effects."
Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…