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 […]
New Research Sheds Light on Kiwis’ Dietary Preferences: Majority Favour Red Meat
In a landscape where plant-based diets are gaining global acclaim for their health and environmental benefits, a recent study from the University of Auckland presents a contrasting picture in New Zealand. The research, which delves into the dietary habits of Kiwi adults, indicates a strong preference for red meat, with vegetarianism and veganism being less […]
New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme Auction Sees Tightening of Carbon Unit Supply
The final auction of the year for New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) did not sell all 15 million carbon units on offer, indicating a potential tightening of supply as the new year approaches. This development could lead to an increase in carbon prices. In this latest auction, the majority of the 15 million New […]
FAO Reports Steady Food Price Index with Notable Changes in Key Commodities
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has released its monthly Food Price Index, which monitors changes in the international prices of a basket of globally-traded food commodities. The latest report shows a mix of increases and decreases across different food categories. In the cereals sector, the FAO Cereal Price Index saw […]
New Zealand Agriculture Braces for Unusual El Niño Weather Pattern
As the cyclone season, only six weeks old, has already seen three severe tropical cyclones, New Zealand’s agricultural sector is facing an unusual El Niño weather pattern this year. This pattern is atypical for any given year, especially during an El Niño phase. Both NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) and Australia’s Bureau […]
Optimism in the Rural Sector Despite Challenges: A Look Ahead to 2024
As 2023 draws to a close, many in the rural sector are eagerly anticipating the end of a challenging year marked by extreme weather events, fluctuating commodity prices, and rising inflation. The added burden of ongoing regulatory demands has made it a particularly tough year for those whose livelihoods depend on the land. The recently […]
New Zealand Farmers Experience a Strong Lambing Season Amidst Economic Challenges
New Zealand farmers have navigated a year of significant challenges, culminating in a promising lambing season. According to a recent report, the expected lamb crop for the year is set to increase by 2.6% compared to last year, reaching 20.9 million head. This rise continues the trend observed over the past few years. The year […]
Navigating the Future of Carbon Farming in New Zealand: The Need for Long-Term Rules
The New Zealand government faces a crucial decision-making period regarding the rules for carbon farming, a topic that has recently gained significant attention. The coalition agreement’s brief mention of stopping the current review of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) system to restore confidence in the carbon trading market has sparked considerable interest, though its full […]
