Editorial: Sensible move
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.
Federated Farmers says helping its members save money and easily and securely trade stock online is behind its decision to sign a partnership with StockX.
“The trend for business transactions to be done online is accelerating and it’s no different in farming,” Feds chief executive Graham Smith says.
“Farmers are up against adverse weather, roller-coaster financial and export market trading conditions, and waves of new regulations. Every dollar counts and StockX delivers a digital platform that gives farmers more flexibility,” he adds.
Smith says Federated Farmers is improving its own digital set-up and is pleased to partner with StockX.
Since StockX launched about a year ago at least 1500 farmers nationwide have registered to trade livestock. It’s free to register and list livestock for sale or purchase. The only cost is 2.5% commission on sales.
Its digital platform enables farmers to extend their sale or purchasing reach beyond their own district and pay lower commissions and fees.
North Canterbury farmer Dan Hodgen says he had heard StockX is “straightforward to use and provides a level of security without an over-the-top cost”.
Hodgen, Feds meat & fibre spokesman for North Canterbury, says he learned about this when drought forced him to look to the North Island to sell his lambs.
He was told there was no demand, but StockX enabled him to test that for himself.
“You’re chasing best value and the biggest thing is that it opens more doors. You’re accessing a wider market than perhaps your agent wants to deal with.”
StockX managing director Jason Roebuck says linking with Federated Farmers is fantastic.
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.