Farmer confidence dips slightly, but positivity still dominates
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.
Celebrated annually on 15 February, National Lamb Day marks the anniversary of New Zealand’s first frozen lamb shipment in 1882.
National Lamb Day is fast approaching, and Kiwis are encouraged to gather their friends and whānau on Saturday, 15 February, for a celebration barbecue.
To entice people, those who register their barbecue at nationallambday.co.nz will go in the draw to win one of five lamb BBQ boxes, each valued at $200.
Celebrated annually on 15 February, National Lamb Day marks the anniversary of New Zealand’s first frozen lamb shipment in 1882. It’s a tribute to the country’s proud food heritage and the dedication of today’s farmers and producers who continue to deliver world-class lamb.
Rabobank and FMG are principal partners of National Lamb Day 2025, supporting the event and helping to spread the world.
Jon Pemberton, chair of the National Lamb Day committee, says he is excited about the upcoming celebration.
"We've been working hard on the 2025 event, and it’s fantastic to see everything coming together - starting with a special barbecue at Parliament next Tuesday which will be attended by MPs from across the political spectrum as well as several agricultural industry leaders," he says.
Meanwhile, Rabobank chief executive Todd Charteris is looking forward to the Parliamentary barbecue.
“It’s great to see our nation’s leaders getting behind National Lamb Day and recognising the hard work of those behind our world-class lamb production," he says. "I’ll be joining in and helping with cooking the barbecue myself!”
FMG chief marketing officer Pete Frizzell is also eager for the celebrations to begin.
"Our connection to National Lamb Day is about supporting rural communities while bringing the whole country together to celebrate," he says.
The 2025 National Lamb Day campaign aims to inspire Kiwis nationwide to get involved and raise a chop to those who help bring New Zealand’s world-class lamb to our plates. To learn more and register your barbecue, visit nationallambday.co.nz.
Coming in at a year-end total at 3088 units, a rise of around 10% over the 2806 total for 2024, the signs are that the New Zealand farm machinery industry is turning the corner after a difficult couple of years.
New Zealand's animal health industry has a new tool addressing a long-standing sustainability issue.
The Government has announced that ACC will be a sponsor of this year's FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition.
As veterinary student numbers grow to help address New Zealand's national workforce shortge, Massey University's School of Veterinary Science is inviting more veterinary practices to partner in training the next generation of vets.
South Island dairy farmers will soon be able to supply organic milk to Fonterra.
Norwood has announced the opening of a new Tasman dealership at Richmond near Nelson next month.

OPINION: Meanwhile, red blooded Northland politician Matua Shane Jones has provided one of the most telling quotes of the year…
OPINION: This old mutt has been around for a few years now and it seems these ‘once in 100-year’ weather…