Prime vs. Store Lambs: Understanding Market Factors and Profitability
The New Zealand agricultural industry finds itself at a crossroads, especially concerning the lamb market. Beef + Lamb New Zealand recently released a detailed report that scrutinises the economic dynamics between prime and store lambs. The report is designed to help farmers make informed decisions based on various factors like the fluctuating market, feed availability, […]
Promising Progress: New Zealand’s Fight Against Antibiotic Resistance
New Zealand’s efforts to combat antibiotic resistance have yielded positive results, with a significant reduction in antibiotic sales for agricultural use. Data from the Ministry for Primary Industry’s Food Safety division shows a remarkable 23% decrease in antibiotic sales within just one year. This reduction aligns with the global goal of addressing antibiotic-resistant superbugs, identified […]
UK Agriculture Sector Navigates Challenging Economic Landscape, Says Reserve Bank
Amidst a turbulent economic climate, the Reserve Bank has recently shed light on the precarious situation faced by the agriculture sector. This comes in a context where other sectors are also grappling with the uncertainties associated with factors such as international trade, climate change, and policy adjustments. Economic Uncertainties The agriculture sector, pivotal for the […]
Farmers Express Optimism with New Government’s Potential for Positive Change
Farmers and agricultural lobbying groups in New Zealand have expressed their optimism that the incoming government will support the primary industry by reducing regulations. This sentiment comes amidst challenges such as increasing bureaucratic hurdles, dwindling commodity prices, and rising on-farm inflation. David Acland, the president of Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers, believes that the recent election […]
Challenging Year Ahead for Farmers as Profitability Hits 15-Year Low, Warns B+LNZ Report
Farmers are bracing for another difficult year, with farm profitability expected to plummet to a 15-year low, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) New Season Outlook 2023-24 forecasts. The report anticipates a 31% decline in farm profitability for the 2023-24 year, following a 32% drop in the previous year. This means that farmers’ […]
October’s Agribusiness Report by Rabobank Forecasts Market Volatility Amid Weather and Global Trends
Rabobank’s latest October agribusiness report starts with an analysis of weather data from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) for September. The report shows a modest 0.4% uptick in milk production across the seven key milk-exporting regions. This subdued growth is accompanied by a potential ‘whiplash’ in milk prices. A rebound in […]
New Zealand’s Milk Production Faces Challenges Amid Global Market Fluctuations
New Zealand’s dairy sector is grappling with a less-than-average peak in milk production for the current 2023/24 season. Data for the initial three months reveals a nearly 2% decline in tonnage, primarily due to reduced collections in the North Island. This comes at a time when China’s dairy demand recovery has yet to counterbalance strong […]
Global Fertiliser Market Faces Uncertainty Amid Middle East Tensions, Warns Rabobank Report
Amidst the prevailing geopolitical unrest in the Middle East, Rabobank’s recent Semi-Annual Fertiliser Outlook report has highlighted potential disruptions in the worldwide fertiliser market. Although the ongoing conflicts, notably those around the Gaza Strip, haven’t directly affected Israel’s role in fertiliser production, an escalation could have a considerable impact on the global supply and demand […]
New Zealand Farmers Challenge Methane Tax Proposals, Citing Latest Science
The Methane Science Accord, a group backed by numerous prominent farmers, is intensifying its campaign against the proposed taxation of methane emissions in New Zealand. The group argues that such a tax is “unscientific, unjustified, and economic insanity.” The Methane Science Accord Comprising influential farmers like Jane Smith, Hamish Carswell, Derek Daniell, and others, the […]
New Zealand Farmers’ Confidence Reaches Historic Low, According to Rabobank Survey
A recent survey by Rabobank New Zealand reveals a record low in farmer confidence, with 77% of respondents expecting the broader agricultural economy to deteriorate over the next year. Only 5% anticipate an improvement, highlighting the challenges facing the sector. Main Concerns: Commodity Prices and Input Costs Bruce Weir, Rabobank New Zealand’s Country Banking General […]
