It's all about economics
OPINION: According to media reports, the eye-watering price of butter has prompted Finance Minister Nicola Willis to ask for a 'please explain' from her former employer Fonterra.
OPINION: This old mutt notes that the latest figures from Stats NZ show that in the quarter ending December 2022, the country’s ag sector decreased its emissions by 1.3% (132 kilotonnes).
All this was achieved without the implementation of an emissions levy or the introduction of the much criticised and deeply unpopular He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) scheme some industry leaders and the Government want to foist on the sector.
Since 2014, NZ’s ag sector has actually reduced its methane output by 7% and nitrous oxide by 1.5%.
However, despite these great achievements, not a word of praise for the sector efforts has come from the likes of the Government, the Green Party or multi-national, non-taxpaying lobby group Greenpeace.
In fact, the lack of recognition by such regular vocal critics of the ag sector has been deafening. No surprise there!
One of Fonterra's largest milk suppliers says Fonterra's board and management have got what they wanted - a great turnout and a positive signal from shareholders on the sale of its co-operative's consumer and related business.
Wool farmers are hoping that efforts by two leading companies to develop a more efficient supply chain would eventually boost farmgate returns.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.

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