Navigating Methane Reduction in Farming
TL;DR: Australian and New Zealand farmers face challenges implementing methane mitigators in extensive farming systems, despite promising trials and efforts towards sustainable agriculture and carbon reduction strategies. New Zealand and Australia face similar battles in agriculture. They’re looking for a balance between productivity and reducing their environmental marks. Richard Rennie visited Australia to learn more […]
25 Years of Enhancing Meat Quality with MSA
TL;DR: MSA celebrates 25 years, highlighting increased returns and global expansion in enhancing meat quality grading. In 2023, MSA celebrated 25 years as the top system for grading meat quality. The latest Annual Outcomes Report highlights MSA’s success, including a record $259 million returned to beef producers in 2022-23. Key achievements this year include a […]
Exploring Dairy Cattle’s Meat Quality with MSA
TL;DR: MSA research confirms dairy breeds can match beef in meat quality with proper feeding strategies, suggesting new value opportunities for dairy calves and exploring innovative cooking protocols for enhanced eating quality. MSA is diving deep into research to ensure both cattle and sheep meat meet MSA grading standards. In the past year, this has […]
Exploring New Trade Horizons
TL;DR: Outgoing Alliance Group chair Murray Taggart advises pursuing a trade deal with India without dairy due to challenges. Alliance diversifies into India’s market, showing resilience and innovation in facing global market fluctuations. The government is facing calls to pursue a free trade deal with India, even if it means leaving dairy out for now. […]
‘Gold Standard’ for Live Cattle Exports
TL;DR: Live Export NZ proposes a ‘Gold Standard’ for cattle exports, aiming for unmatched animal welfare and boosting rural economies. Live Export NZ (LENZ) is aiming to bring back live cattle exports, having exported $255.89 million worth in 2020. “Since 2015, live exports have contributed 0.2% to all agriculture revenue. Over the past decade, 5000 […]
Revolutionising Dairy Farming with Australian Mining Tech
TL;DR: Lincoln University’s dairy farm trial utilises Australian mining tech for sustainable farming, focusing on cow health and environmental sustainability through digital integration, aiming for economic viability while enhancing farm management and environmental monitoring with innovative technologies. At Lincoln University’s Ashley Dene research station, a groundbreaking trial is reshaping dairy farming. Here, technology initially designed […]
Meat Sales See Strong Start in 2024
TL;DR: In 2024, meat sales remained strong despite a slight dip in consumer confidence. Fresh meat sales surged, while processed meat saw stable demand, as tracked by Circana’s expanded MULO+ coverage. Consumer confidence dipped slightly in February after three months of gains, the University of Michigan reports. Despite this, optimism about inflation’s trajectory remains. February […]
El Niño’s Departure Brings Hope for Rain
TL;DR: El Niño’s departure may bring needed rain to New Zealand, offering hope amid dry conditions, with unsettled weather and potential showers on the horizon. After dominating spring and summer with dry conditions, El Niño is moving on, bringing hope for relief in New Zealand’s drought-stricken areas. Nadine Tunley, CEO of HortNZ, emphasises the importance […]
US Boosts Red Meat Exports Amid Challenges in China
TL;DR: US demand boosts NZ’s red meat exports, offsetting China’s decline. EU and UK markets show growth, highlighting the importance of diversified trade strategies amidst varying international market demands. The United States’ demand for red meat has offered a critical lift to New Zealand’s exports, counteracting the ongoing decline in the Chinese market. Data from […]
Water Concerns Dominate Horticulture Sector Talks
TL;DR: HortNZ discusses water storage and allocation amid El Nino, advocating for policies supporting horticulture’s growth and environmental sustainability. HortNZ’s grower meetings have sparked intense discussions on water use and storage amidst the dry spell brought on by the El Nino weather pattern. Nadine Tunley, CEO of HortNZ, emphasises the critical need for robust water […]
