Pāmu Braces for $30m Hit From Rising Farm Costs
State farmer Pāmu is bracing for a $30 million hit from soaring farm input costs this financial year.
OPINION: The Hound reckons the powers at Landcorp (or as they/them like to call themselves, Pāmu) are coming under the microscope with the new government in place.
The first signs have already come from State Owned Enterprises Minister Paul Goldsmith who has said that he is “not happy” with its performance.
Goldsmith’s comments follow the state farmer’s measly half year result in 2023 of $3 million – down from $15 million for the 2022 half year. The minister says he expects SOEs to operate as efficiently and profitably as similar businesses not owned by the Crown.
“I am not yet satisfied that Pāmu is achieving this and I expect it to take steps to improve.”
Goldsmith could start by clearing out all the woke political appointments made to Landcorp’s board by the previous administration and put in place some hard-nosed business types who demand results and not feelgood claptrap from the SOE!
Farmer-owned fertiliser company, Ballance Agri Nutrients is welcoming National’s plan to negotiate security agreements with key supplier countries to protect New Zealand-bound products from export restrictions and greater supply chain certainty.
Carrfields has announced the appointment of Stu Hall to the newly created role of chief operating officer, Carrfields Ltd, reflecting the continued growth of their agribusinesses and the need to ensure the company has the leadership capacity and support in place as it pursues the emerging opportunities ahead.
New Zealand's role is not to compete with Indian growers, according to NZ Apples and Pears.
The potato industry is celebrating the success of two rising stars - James Blair, the 2026 Young Grower of the Year and runner-up and innovation award winner, Amber Davy.
Twenty-eight emerging leaders from across the horticulture sector spent two days last month learning valuable skills and connecting with industry experts.
There are five entrants in this year’s Young Horticulturist of the Year, competing in a series of technical, practical, business and leadership challenges.

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