Legal Uncertainty for Canterbury Plains Irrigators
TL;DR: High Court ruling questions future discharge consents in Canterbury, highlighting the need for RMA reform and creating uncertainty for farmers and regional water management practices. A High Court ruling has cast doubt on future nitrogen discharge consents in Canterbury. Colin Hurst, Vice President of Federated Farmers, sees this as a signal for urgent Resource […]
Minor Uplifts in Farm Prices
TL;DR: Farmgate dairy and beef prices rise, lamb remains low. Dairy outlook improves, but challenges persist. Economic growth could support agricultural prices, amidst geopolitical risks. Farmgate prices for dairy and beef are on the rise, while lamb remains lower, as noted in BNZ’s Rural Wrap. Doug Steel, a BNZ economist, mentioned seeing positive shifts in […]
Inquiry Into Rural Banking on the Horizon
TL;DR: Parliament considers inquiry into rural banking disparities, responding to farmers’ growing frustrations and advocacy efforts. Farmers may finally see an inquiry into rural banking practices. Parliament’s primary production committee has initiated a briefing to explore farmers’ concerns with banking. Mark Cameron, a dairy farmer and committee chair, confirmed the action, noting the gap between […]
Ohio Detects HPAI in Dairy Herd
TL;DR: Ohio reports first HPAI case in dairy cattle; milk supply safe, no quarantines issued. The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has confirmed the state’s first case of HPAI in dairy cattle, a finding supported by the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory. This comes after a dairy operation in Wood County received cattle from a […]
Baltimore Bridge Collapse Affects US Agriculture and Poultry Trade
TL’DR: The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore has minimal impact on US agriculture trade, with slight concerns for poultry exports and equipment shipments during the spring planting season. Baltimore, MD — The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, caused by a container ship accident on March 26, has had limited impact on […]
Purina Unveils Major Pet Food Plant in Eden
TL;DR: Purina opens a $450 million pet food plant in Eden, NC, marking a major investment in technology, sustainability, and job creation, and strengthening community partnerships through charitable contributions. Eden, NC — Nestlé Purina celebrated the opening of its new pet food manufacturing site on March 26. This event marked the end of over three […]
US Meat Exports Boost Corn and Soybean Markets
TL;DR: In 2023, beef and pork exports valued at $18.1 billion significantly boosted US corn and soybean markets, according to a study by The Juday Group. Denver — In 2023, beef and pork exports, totalling $18.1 billion, significantly boosted the corn and soybean sectors. This was highlighted in a study by The Juday Group, commissioned […]
New Funding for Ohio Meat Processors
TL;DR: Ohio announces $14 million funding for local meat processing improvements. Columbus, Ohio — The state’s Development and Agriculture Departments have announced a $14 million funding boost for the Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program. This effort aims to enhance and grow meat processing across Ohio. Lydia Mihalik, the Development Director, stated, “This investment supports our […]
AFN Sets Regenerative Beef Standards
TL;DR: AFN announces USDA-approved regenerative beef standards focusing on soil health and ethical consumer choices. Seattle — American Farmers Network (AFN) announced on April 4 its new standards for regeneratively raised beef, now approved by the USDA. This mark can now be found on beef products in retail chains nationwide. “Leading the regenerative movement,” said […]
Tough Times for Sheep Farmers
TL;DR: New Zealand’s sheep farmers face challenges from high costs, slow Chinese market recovery, and Australian competition, impacting profits and efficiency. Sheep farmers in New Zealand are hitting hard times. High costs, slow markets, and competition are big hurdles. Main Challenges The biggest issues come from high farming costs and slow sales to China. Australian […]
