New Zealand Government Axes ‘Ute Tax’ to Support Farmers
In a significant policy reversal, New Zealand’s new Minister of Transport, Simeon Brown, has delivered on a key campaign promise by repealing the contentious ‘Ute Tax’. This move, executed within the Government’s first 100 days, has been positively received by the agricultural sector. Legislative Shift and Farmer Impact The legislation passed in the last weeks […]
UK Agricultural Exports Face Shipping Challenges
In recent developments, New Zealand’s dairy exports are experiencing significant delays in reaching international markets. These delays, extending up to three weeks, are due to diversions around the Cape of Good Hope and capacity restrictions at the Panama Canal. Avoiding Conflict Zones and Canal Delays Fonterra’s director of global supply chain, Santiago Aon, highlighted that […]
New Zealand Experiences Moderate Impact from El Niño, WeatherWatch Reports
New Zealand’s unique geographical position is softening the effects of the current strong El Niño weather pattern, according to Philip Duncan, head forecaster at WeatherWatch. Duncan notes that while each El Niño event is distinct, the current one is reaching its peak. This El Niño has been characterised by frequent, though localised, heavy rainfalls, with […]
Positive Shift in Australian Sheep Meat Market Benefits New Zealand Lamb Industry
Recent widespread rainfall in Australia, including the extraordinary 2m downpour from Cyclone Jasper in December, has significantly eased the drought conditions that have long plagued the country. This change in weather has led to a notable decrease in the supply of Australian sheepmeat, which had been flooding the global markets since mid-last year. Before the […]
Anticipated Decrease in Feed Expenses for the Dairy Farming Sector
The dairy farming community may soon experience a financial easing with an expected 5% decrease in feed costs for the current season. This anticipated reduction is primarily due to a downturn in product prices. Recent updates from DairyNZ’s Econ Tracker indicate a general decline in total farm working expenses, influenced significantly by lower feed and […]
Revitalising Swannanoa’s Ecosystem: A Collaborative Effort in Native Planting
In Swannanoa, a significant native planting initiative is transforming the landscape of Andrew and Peter Gilchrist’s 430-hectare farm, part of a broader ecological restoration project led by Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL). This project, the first of its kind in the area, aims to enhance and protect the region’s freshwater systems and biodiversity. The initiative is […]
Shifts in New Zealand’s Agricultural Property Market Amid Economic Adjustments
During the quarter ending in November 2023, New Zealand’s agricultural real estate sector witnessed a mixed pattern of activity. The period saw a total of 188 farm transactions, marking a rise from the 157 deals in the preceding quarter, yet representing a downturn from the 265 transactions recorded in the same quarter of the previous […]
Australia and New Zealand on the Cusp of Approving First Cultivated Meat Product
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has taken a significant step towards approving a cultivated quail product by Vow Food as a food ingredient. This development, as reported by Food Frontier, an independent think tank focusing on alternative proteins in Australia and New Zealand, marks a pivotal moment in the food industry of these two […]
Rabobank Forecasts Stable Farm Input Prices and Varied Commodity Trends for 2024
According to Rabobank’s December monthly update, the agricultural sector can anticipate a generally stable outlook for farm input prices going into 2024, offering a positive note as the year draws to a close. In the dairy sector, the report highlights a robust trend in commodity prices. FOB (Free on Board) powder prices have seen a […]
New Zealand’s Yuletide Favourite: Lamb Takes the Crown
It’s official: When it comes to the Christmas feast in New Zealand, lamb is the star of the show! Retail Meat New Zealand’s annual festive survey – a bit of a tradition now in its sixth year – has thrown up some interesting numbers. Gathering thoughts from over 3,000 Kiwis, the survey reveals that 34.29% […]
