Global Shipping Crisis Intensifies: Impact on New Zealand’s Exports
TL;DR: The global shipping crisis, already strained by Houthi rebel activities in the Red Sea and water scarcity in the Panama Canal, is worsening, posing significant challenges for New Zealand exporters. The situation has compelled many vessels, laden with New Zealand produce destined for European markets, to opt for the longer journey around the Cape […]
Rural Confidence in New Zealand Shows Signs of Recovery
TL;DR: Farm confidence in New Zealand has shown signs of recovery from the record lows experienced last year, according to the latest Federated Farmers Farm Confidence Survey. While still in historically low territory, there has been a positive shift in rural mood, attributed to a slight improvement since the last survey conducted in July 2023. […]
Rabobank Foresees Uplift in Dairy and Beef Markets, Sheepmeat to Follow
TL;DR: In its latest Agribusiness Monthly report, Rabobank anticipates an upturn in dairy and beef prices for the upcoming year, though sheepmeat values are set to remain stagnant for a while longer. The bank highlights that, unusually, the cost of farm inputs hasn’t risen significantly this season, attributed to subdued demand from the northern hemisphere. […]
Farmers Call for Streamlined Freshwater Regulations
TL;DR: In New Zealand, the agricultural community is pressing the government for an overhaul of the current freshwater farm plan regulations, seeking a system that is both simpler and more economically viable for farmers. Under the Resource Management Act 1991 and the Resource Management (Freshwater Farm Plans) Regulations 2023, farmers are required to conduct on-farm […]
Alliance Welcomes New Chair as Taggart Retires
TL;DR: Alliance Group has announced a significant change in its leadership, with Murray Taggart stepping down as chair after ten years of service. He will be succeeded by Mark Wynne, an independent director, in a transition that was unanimously agreed upon by the board. This move comes as part of a constitutionally mandated change, marking […]
Subsidies a Bridge Too Far for WTO Talks
TL;DR: During the recent discussions held by the World Trade Organisation in Abu Dhabi, a pivotal issue emerged, casting a shadow over the proceedings. The crux of the matter lay in the substantial agricultural subsidies maintained by the world’s affluent nations, coupled with India’s insistence on securing concessions for its agricultural support measures. This stance […]
Lamb Metrics Edge Closer to the End Goal
TL;DR: Earlier forecasts had predicted a significant drop in farmgate lamb prices to around mid-$5/kg by February. However, a fortunate turn of events occurred due to a shortage of lambs entering processing plants from late January to March, preventing this predicted drop. While the fall in AgriHQ’s lamb indicators to $5.80-$6.10/kg wasn’t celebrated, it was […]
Sluggish Chinese Market Impacts Meat Exports
TL;DR: The Meat Industry Association (MIA) of New Zealand has reported a downturn in meat exports for January 2024, with a notable 8% decrease to $759 million compared to January 2023. This decline marks the lowest January result since 2019, primarily due to a 21% reduction in exports to China, amounting to $263 million. MIA […]
China and the US Dictate Red Meat’s Fortunes
TL;DR: The market forecast for New Zealand’s red meat in 2024 presents a modest improvement over the previous year, yet the sector continues to face significant challenges. With the global economy’s influence on meat prices, any substantial recovery hinges on a worldwide increase in consumer confidence and employment stability. New Zealand’s meat industry excels in […]
Low Methane Sheep Genetics Research: Your Questions Answered
TL;DR: Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) has garnered considerable attention from farmers regarding its pioneering research into low methane sheep genetics. As this topic is set to be discussed at B+LNZ’s upcoming Annual Meeting, the organisation aims to shed light on the project and address common queries. Why the Focus on Low Methane Sheep? […]
