Feds make case for rural bank lending probe
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
OPINION: Federated Farmers is pleased that a Member's Bill from ACT MP Mark Cameron has put opportunities for live animal exports back on the political agenda.
With industry-initiated Live Export NZ 'Gold Standard' animal welfare precautions - as well as enforcement of the recommendations on sea voyages from the independent review - New Zealand can be a global exemplar in this trade.
Recent cyclones have put a massive hit on our infrastructure and productive sector. For example, it may be years before our pipfruit industry recovers.
Can New Zealand afford to turn its back on annual export income of $400m-$500m?
The government-instituted live export ban comes into full effect on 30 April this year after a transition/wind-down period.
New Zealand has an international reputation for strong animal welfare. While there has been robust and continuous improvement in our live export practices, the industry is open to recommendations for further precautions. These include regulation aimed at minimising sea voyage risk from seasonal weather events.
The global live cattle trade will continue but from countries and by exporters with lower animal standards filling the gap enforced on us. If we were still involved, our high standards would push others into lifting their game.
We've also lost the opportunity to have influence, via commercial relationships, over the welfare of exported animals after they've arrived in countrie such as China.
Federated Farmers and the many businesses, which have been involved in this trade, want discussions re-opened.
But the debate should be based on facts rather than politics and ideology.
It's an election year, and rural New Zealand looks forward to hearing the policies of the various parties on this topic and others that are so important to provincial economies.
Richard McIntyre is a Federated Farmers national board member and its Dairy Chair.
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.