New Zealand’s Trade Minister Embarks on Key Visit to India
In a significant move, New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay has embarked on his first official visit to India, signalling the new government’s priority to develop a close relationship with the country. This strategic visit, marked by its focused agenda, demonstrates the importance New Zealand places on its ties with India. Minister McClay, accompanied by […]
Effective Livestock Management During Warm Weather
In the agricultural sector, understanding the impact of warm weather on livestock is crucial for effective farm management. Ivan Holloway, the production animal business manager at VetLife Timaru, sheds light on the distinct ways heat affects cows and sheep, emphasising the importance of careful planning to manage these issues. For dairy cows, the advent of […]
Government Plans to Review Freshwater Management Policy
The New Zealand government is embarking on a pre-Christmas legislative overhaul that includes revisiting the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management (NPS). Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has characterised the existing NPS as complex and costly to implement, leading to plans for its replacement. Associate Minister for the Environment Andrew Hoggard has announced that work on […]
Navigating Financial Challenges in Sheep and Beef Farming
Understanding the Current Financial Landscape for Farmers In the current economic climate, sheep and beef farmers are facing considerable challenges. Market prices for sheep meat and wool remain subdued, squeezing profit margins. Additionally, on-farm inflation, though slowing, continues to impact costs significantly. This situation is further compounded by rising regulatory expenses. Insights from Beef + […]
Agriculture Market Update: Cattle and Sheep Weekly Review
Cattle Market Sees a Slight Dip Ahead of Christmas As the festive season approached, the cattle market experienced a modest downturn. This week, cattle yardings decreased by 20,615, totalling 77,881 head. Despite this significant week-on-week reduction, it marked the second-largest week of the year in terms of yardings. The decline in buyers and processors attending […]
Agriculture Sector Year-End Review: NLRS Christmas Closure and Saleyard Schedules
NLRS Christmas Shutdown and Saleyard Operations As the year draws to a close, the National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) is set to pause its operations for the Christmas period. The service will resume in the first week of the new year, following the festive break. Saleyards across the country are entering their final week of […]
Exploring Agrivoltaics: Integrating Solar Panels with Agriculture in Australia
The Potential of Agri Voltaics in Australia Australia holds significant potential for combining solar panel installations with traditional farming practices, a concept known as agri voltaics or ‘agrisolar’. This innovative approach, which involves co-locating agricultural production systems with solar development, offers a promising pathway for farmers, solar developers, and governments. However, the successful implementation of […]
Trends in Australia’s Carbon Market in 2023
Government Reforms and Market Stability In 2023, Australia’s carbon market underwent significant changes, primarily due to new and updated legislation introduced by the Federal Labor Government. The year commenced with the release of the “Chubb-review,” led by former chief scientist Professor Ian Chubb. This review, which examined the framework of the carbon market, concluded that […]
Leadership Transition at Silver Fern Farms: Dan Boulton to Lead as New CEO
In a significant leadership transition, New Zealand’s Silver Fern Farms, a key player in protein production and red meat exportation, has appointed Dan Boulton as its new chief executive, effective February. Boulton, who has been pivotal in the company’s supply chain operations for six years, is recognised for his expertise in various sectors, including seafood, […]
African Workers Fill Labor Gap in Israeli Farms Amid Conflict-Induced Shortage
In a significant development for Israel’s agricultural sector, the country is now welcoming many farm workers from Africa. This move comes in the aftermath of the recent conflict with Hamas, which led to a drastic reduction in the agricultural labour force. The conflict, which erupted on October 7, saw the departure of over 10,000 foreign […]
