Keep What Works Working: NZ's New Resistance Campaign
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
Zespri is forecasting its revenue from fruit and service payments will be up $155.8 million on last year.
In its August forecast it expects those payments, excluding the loyalty premium, to reach $1.07b for the 2015-16 season.
The current forecast is an increase of $155.8m vs the $915.8m achieved in 2014-15 season. The forecast will be updated this month, then again later in the year.
The August 2015 forecast for Green of $4.87 per tray sits at the lower end of the range previously published (July range $4.80 - $5.20) and compares to $6.01 in the 2014-15 season. But orchard productivity has substantially increased, so the August 2015 forecast per hectare return is $53,841, which is close to the same record return achieved in 2014-15.
August is the first forecast when Zespri puts out tray figures to the industry rather than a range.
The August forecast for Gold orchard gate return is $7.76 per tray, which is at the mid-point of the July range of $7.60 - $7.90 vs $9.80 last year. The per hectare return is forecast at $67,378 vs $73,890 last year.
Green Organic is forecast at $6.75 per tray (July range $6.70 - $7.00) vs $7.37 last year. The per hectare return is forecast at $49,565 vs $43,996 last year. Green14 is at $6.69 per tray (July range $6.50 - $7.10) vs $7.08 last year. The forecast per hectare return is $41,040 vs $29,682 last year.
OPINION: As the general election approaches, political parties are churning out policies in the hope of attracting more votes.
An LIC bull, Tronnoco AR Sadio-ET S3F, bred by Tony and Keri O'Connor of Tronnoco Farming Co Ltd near Timaru, has won the 2026 Mahoe Trophy.
With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.
In the past, much has been made of the concept of farm to fork, but an Australian expert in food science and marketing with experience in the dairy industry, Dr Angeline Achariya, says the reverse of this slogan is critical to win modern day consumers.
Efficiency is the big one because it tracks back into what is done on farm.
A four year trial has reaffirmed that mixing plantain into dairy pastures can help reduce nitrogen losses to freshwater while maintaining milk production and profitability, say researchers.