Tough Task Ahead for Global Agriculture
TL;DR: In an era where environmental concerns and food security are paramount, global agriculture is at a crossroads. Dr. Marion Jansen, the OECD’s Director of Trade and Agriculture, recently shared insights at the ABARES Outlook conference in Canberra, highlighting the sector’s pressing challenges and opportunities. Agricultural producers worldwide are grappling with the need to simultaneously […]
Wet Summer Puts Brakes on Aussie Slaughter Train
TL;DR: In a turn of events that has brought some solace to New Zealand sheep farmers, Australia’s agricultural sector has experienced an unexpected slowdown in livestock slaughter rates. This development comes after a period of intense offloading in anticipation of El Niño-induced drought conditions, which, contrary to expectations, gave way to a wetter summer across […]
January Red Meat Export Data Reflects Continued Challenges in Global Markets
TL;DR: At the start of 2024, New Zealand’s red meat industry encountered hurdles, with January’s export figures showing a decrease to $759 million, 8% less than January 2023. This reduction was most pronounced in trade with China, where exports fell by 21% to $263 million. On a brighter note, exports to the United States and […]
Campaign to Uphold New Zealand’s Live Export Ban Gains Momentum
TL;DR: SAFE, an animal rights organisation, has launched a national campaign calling on the new government to uphold the ban on live animal exports. This movement seeks public support through a parliamentary petition led by Dr John Hellstrom, the former chair of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC). The ban, which took effect in […]
Exploring Economic Threats to New Zealand Agriculture: A Look at Future Risks
TL;DR: A recent study by the Productivity Commission has thrown light on how New Zealand’s agricultural sector might fare under two speculative scenarios: a trade standoff involving certain Asian countries and the emergence of cost-effective synthetic dairy products. This inquiry also considered the ramifications of a significant oil price hike, emphasising that these scenarios are […]
Not So Lucky New Year for China Lamb
TL;DR: The Chinese New Year, celebrated on February 10 this year, usually brings family gatherings and increased food consumption, including lamb. However, this year, the expected boost to lamb prices did not happen. Dave Courtney from Silver Fern Farms noted that the sales during this period were subdued, a sentiment echoed by AgriHQ senior analyst […]
Aus Lamb Production Forecast Continues its Record-Breaking Trend
TL;DR: Australia is on track for another record-breaking year in lamb production, with projections indicating a total of 621,000 tonnes for 2024, up 9% from the previous year. This marks an unprecedented fourth year of consecutive growth, pushing production 21.3% above the ten-year average. The forecast for 2025 suggests a slight dip to 587,000 tonnes, […]
Behemoths Face Off in WTO Subsidy Talks
TL;DR: At the halfway point of the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) biennial meeting in Abu Dhabi, attended by 164 global trade ministers, the atmosphere is tense with discussions on addressing the nearly one trillion dollars in trade-distorting agricultural subsidies. New Zealand’s Trade Minister, Todd McClay, represents the country, highlighting the international stakes involved. WTO Director-General […]
Store Lambs Navigate a Dry Summer Season
TL;DR: As autumn announces its arrival with a cold snap, the lamb trade season transitions towards the potentially more profitable winter months. However, the summer season has presented its set of challenges for lamb finishers, shaped significantly by climatic conditions and market dynamics. Across New Zealand, the feed situation has been mixed. Hawke’s Bay enjoyed […]
Shift in Australian Dairy Exports: A Boon for New Zealand
TL;DR: Rabobank’s recent Australian Dairy Sector Outlook report highlights a significant transition in Australia’s dairy trade dynamics, with export volumes declining and imports increasing over the past few years. This shift is attributed to several factors, including reduced domestic milk production, diminished export competitiveness, and more attractive returns in the domestic market. The 2022/23 season […]
