Feds claiming 'some real success' on policy front
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
New Federated Farmers meat and fibre chair and board member Miles Anderson says he’d like to see the mainstream news media take a more balanced line on reporting farming issues.
Anderson recognises no one can dictate to journalists what to publish, he’d like to see more honest reporting.
He plans to reach out to other primary sector organisations such as Beef + Lamb NZ, DairyNZ, HortNZ and the meat processors to change things.
Anderson says it’s been a tough couple of years for his members.
“We have had poor lamb and mutton prices until this year and of course wool is in a disgraceful situation, but the farmers are fairly confident. The big question is whether the current pricing is to do with procurement or is market-based,” he says.
In his role as chair of meat and fibre, Anderson says he’d like to see a continuation of some of the projects set up by his predecessor, Rick Powdrell. These include a future-focused project looking at sustainable returns long term for the meat industry, and a project in the wool sector.
“We are also tied up in the water and nutrient debate and we have, I guess, been sidelined somewhat until now,” Anderson told Rural News. “This is because a lot of us are low emitters and thought that we were not going to be part of the solution, but we are part of the solution because we are part of the problem,” he says.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.