Biosecurity Ranked Top Priority In KPMG Agribusiness Agenda 2026
According to new research, industry leaders have ranked world-class biodiversity as the number one priority for the 16th year in a row.
KPMG’S Ian Proudfoot says the biggest surprise for him when compiling the latest Agribusiness Agenda was the discussion on what the future dairy industry might look like.
He didn’t expect to have the level of conversation fundamentally about how much milk Fonterra will end up collecting.
“It’s a conversation that has definitely come up in the last 12 months and I think it’s from seeing well-capitalised companies come into the industry with the potential to change the industry,” Proudfoot told Rural News.
“It comes from real concerns about whether Fonterra is adding value, and the general answer is that there is a lot more they could be doing.”
Proudfoot says the other surprise for him was seeing broadband climb the list to second equal – indicating it is a core issue for the sector.
“We can see the productivity opportunities in technology, its environmental potential and what it can do to strengthen our communities. If we can get rural broadband right, we can transform the rural environment, create new jobs and generate more wealth.”
Proudfoot points to a growing realisation of the need to inspire young people to make a career in agriculture and to help them understand the sector.
Synlait has swung to second-half profit as operations stabilise, but the dairy processor still posted a $75.4m annual loss.
LIC shareholders have elected a new North Island representative to the co-operative's Board, along with five representatives to its Shareholder Reference Group (SRG), following the company's Annual Meeting held in Invercargill.
Farmers across parts of Southland and South Otago are continuing to deal with difficult conditions after a prolonged run of wet weather, with pressure building around feed supply, stock management, pasture damage, farm infrastructure and everyday workloads.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes Labour's commitment to reviewing the Sharemilking Agreements Act, calling on other major parties to do the same.
For Canterbury dairy farmers Sian Meijer and Rick Wobben, wearable technology has become one of their most valuable on-farm tools - helping manage 1850 cows across an expansive, high-performing dairy operation while improving efficiency, mating outcomes and day-to-day decision making.
Fonterra has unveiled its annual results for the 2026 financial year, posting $27 billion in revenue and close to $20 billion returned to New Zealand farmer owners and unit holders.