fbpx
Print this page
Wednesday, 19 May 2021 11:55

Farmers and industry doing their best despite multiple challenges

Written by  Peter Burke
Sam McIvor says one of the challenges posed by the logistics problems is having product in market for special occasions – such as cultural festivals. Sam McIvor says one of the challenges posed by the logistics problems is having product in market for special occasions – such as cultural festivals.

Beef+Lamb NZ chief executive Sam McIvor says the word he's getting from the meat exporters is that one of their most time consuming tasks is logistics.

He says they are using every tool in the box to deal with the issue and it is a major focus of their respective businesses.

One of the challenges, posed by the logistics problems, is having product in market for special occasions - such as cultural festivals. The Chinese New Yeas, Christmas and Easter are some of the larger ones. McIvor says getting the supply chain issues right is critical.

"But I think, to be fair, globally everyone is getting a little more tolerant of the fact that if a product doesn't turn up tomorrow, so be it," he told Rural News. "But there is also the risk that if people don't have the product when they want it, they will switch to an alternative and may not come back to the original one. So yes, there are risks about our ability to supply customers and what that might mean over time."

McIvor notes that NZ's meat industry is still in the middle of its busiest time of the year for processing stock. And with some areas hit by drought, farmers are having to talk to their processing companies as soon as they can to book space.

"But unlike last year, when about 70% of the country was in drought, it's not that bad this year - which does provide some options," he says.

"For example, farmers on the west coast of the North Island are saying they have had their best season ever. So, I think there are probably options other than slaughter."

McIvor says farmers are are getting better at managing climate change by investing in better stock classes and making early decisions. He says productivity in the sheep and beef sector has increased massively resulting in the same number of lambs being produced from fewer capital stock.

"During the dry period we don't have the same pressure now on our farm systems."

McIvor believes that farmers are also taking a much more holistic approach to their farming operations. Taking on board the needs and views of customers, who are focusing on products that take into account climate and envrionmental issues.

He notes the emphasis has ramped on such things as essential fresh water and biodiversity, and farmers in turn want to do the right thing and incorporate these requirements into their business plans.

More like this

Editorial: Urgent action!

OPINION: When we finally get a government (no agreement had been finalised at time of writing), the first thing the new administration needs to review is all the regional and district plans that are being rolled out across the country to comply with the new National Policy Statement (NPS).

Meaty issues to tackle

The incoming government needs to take a pragmatic and practical approach to dealing with a raft of issues affecting sheep and beef farmers.

Featured

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

Editorial: Passage to India

OPINION: Even before the National-led coalition came into power, India was very much at the fore of its trade agenda.

National

Knowing bugs means fewer drugs

A mastitis management company claims to deliver the fastest and most accurate mastitis testing available at scale for New Zealand…

Machinery & Products

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up…

Biggest Quadtrac coming to NZ!

In the biggest announcement that Case IH Australia/New Zealand has made around its tractor range, its biggest tractor is about…

A different shade of blue for Norwood

Norwood and ARGO Tractors, the Italian manufacturer of Landini and McCormick tractors, have announced an agreement that gives Norwood exclusive…

Kubota tests diesel engines

Kubota last month used the UK LAMMA Show to test the water with its new 200hp, four-cylinder 09-series diesel engines.