Dr Trevor James: A Lifetime Battling Weeds for New Zealand’s Agriculture
In the latest Land Champions edition, we spotlight individuals making significant contributions to agriculture, including AgResearch’s Dr Trevor James, a senior scientist renowned for his expertise in weed management. Despite reducing his workweek to four days at the Ruakura campus, Dr. James remains deeply committed to his lifelong battle against invasive weeds. Dr James’s career, […]
Navigating Challenges in New Zealand’s Sheep and Beef Sector
As New Zealand’s summer begins for the third consecutive year with mixed weather conditions, the sheep and beef sectors face a complex landscape. Grass growth rates are strong, yet dry conditions are emerging in various regions. While reduced feed pressures are positive, completing on-farm tasks has been challenging. The flow of new season lambs and […]
Mark Patterson on His Role and Vision for New Zealand’s Agriculture
In the final part of a three-article series on Associate Agriculture Ministers, Neal Wallace interviews Mark Patterson. Patterson, who lost his Parliamentary seat in the 2020 election, reflects on his return to grassroots politics as the Otago Federated Farmers chair and how it has prepared him for his current role. Patterson, now serving as the […]
2024: A Testing Year for New Zealand’s Agricultural Exports
The Ministry for Primary Industries’ recent Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report casts a somewhat sombre shadow over New Zealand’s agricultural export outlook for 2024. The report, a detailed analysis released last week, projects a 5% decline in the overall value of the nation’s primary exports, expected to fall from 2023’s $57.4 billion […]
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 + […]
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, […]
New Zealand Beef Industry Eyes Opportunities Amid US Herd Reduction
US Beef Herd Reduction and Its Implications The United States is experiencing a significant reduction in its beef herd, expected to continue for the next 18 months, according to Meat Industry Association Chief Executive Sirma Karapeeva. This decline, primarily driven by drought affecting about a third of the lower 48 states, is leading US farmers […]
