Meat & Livestock News

Navigating the Economic Landscape: New Zealand’s Approach to Inflation and Interest Rates

In the complex world of financial markets, differing perspectives between central banks and market players are becoming increasingly evident. The current trend suggests a shift in expectations regarding interest rates, with market predictions leaning towards a decrease over the next two years. This anticipated change is seen as a potential relief for borrowers, contrasting with […]

The Future of Dairy Farming: Emphasising Cow Efficiency

Embracing Efficiency in Dairy Farming Malcolm Ellis, departing General Manager for NZ Markets at LIC, highlights the dairy industry’s potential to reduce methane emissions by focusing on cow efficiency. As he transitions to a new role at Fonterra, Ellis reflects on the industry’s shift from a quantity-focused approach to valuing the efficiency of each cow. […]

UK Farming’s Future: Adapting to Environmental Initiatives and Subsidy Changes

The landscape of farming in the United Kingdom is undergoing significant changes, primarily driven by a shift from traditional agricultural subsidies to payments for various on-farm environmental initiatives. Rob Waterston, an English arable farmer and international guest speaker at the Foundation for Arable Research’s annual Research in Action field day, shared insights into these evolving […]

New Zealand’s Path to Achieving Climate Goals

Government’s Role in Climate Action The New Zealand Government is facing crucial decisions in its approach to meeting the country’s climate goals. Dr Rod Carr, a key figure in the climate change sector, emphasises the importance of policies that reduce climate pollution, providing clear direction for businesses, communities, and households. He highlights the need for […]

Managing Parasite Resistance in New Zealand’s Livestock

Challenges with Parasite Resistance New Zealand’s livestock industry is facing challenges with parasite resistance, particularly concerning the supply of effective drenches. Wormwise Programme Manager Ginny Dodunski highlights the ongoing issue of triple-drench resistant parasites affecting lambs. Last autumn, there were instances of lambs suffering from these resistant parasites, with limited treatment options available. This issue […]

Prospects for New Zealand’s Live Export Trade

Anticipated Reopening of Live Animal Export New Zealand’s live export industry is looking forward to resuming operations, potentially by August next year. The industry, which was halted in April this year by the previous Labour Government, is now seeing a possible reversal of the ban under the new coalition government. This change could significantly impact […]

Trends in New Zealand’s Agricultural Sector Confidence

Overview New Zealand’s agricultural sector is witnessing a notable shift in confidence levels, primarily driven by government policy changes and rising dairy prices. The latest Rabobank rural confidence survey indicates a strong rebound in farmer confidence, particularly among dairy farmers, following a historic low in September. Key Findings from the Rabobank Survey Sector-Specific Trends: Reasons […]

Current Trends in the Lamb Market

Overview of the Lamb Market The lamb market has experienced a notable start to the new season, influenced significantly by weather conditions. In the North Island, adverse weather has slowed the supply of lambs to processors, leading to lower-than-expected slaughter rates and a consequent easing of downward pressure on prices.  Conversely, the South Island has […]

Dalby Cattle Sale 13 Dec 2023

Australian cattle in a grassy field

In the final cattle sale of 2023 at Dalby Saleyard, there was a noticeable reduction in the supply of stock. The total yarding for this sale was reported at 4,554 head, which is a decrease of approximately 3,099 from the previous sale. This reduction in numbers was apparent despite the cattle being sourced from a […]

Roma Cattle Sale Report 12 Dec 2023

Australian cattle in a field

In the final cattle sale of 2023 at Roma Saleyard, a total of 7,379 cattle were presented, marking a decrease of 646 from the previous sale. This substantial number reflects a consistent high interest, with cattle sourced from various regions including Queensland, Northern Territory, and New South Wales. Notably, the sale attracted regular processors, feedlotters, […]