Revisiting Glyphosate: A Comprehensive Review Underway in New Zealand
Opening Remarks The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of New Zealand is currently scrutinising the utilisation of glyphosate, an essential element in numerous weed killers, including the renowned brand Roundup. This scrutiny has been initiated by a formal request from the Environmental Law Initiative (ELI), which argues that fresh scientific evidence points to considerable negative impacts […]
New Zealand’s Drive for Carbon Offsetting Raises Alarms for Rural Livelihoods
A Beef+Lamb NZ report is warning of risks to New Zealand’s farming communities due to the current focus on carbon offsetting. According to the study, land use is shifting dramatically towards plantation forestry, driven largely by the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS). This policy aims to mitigate carbon emissions and aligns with the country’s global pledge […]
New Zealand Beef Producers Shine at International Steak Competition
New Zealand’s meat producers have clinched multiple gold awards at the esteemed World Steak Challenge, featuring competitors from 25 leading steak-producing nations globally. ANZCO Foods, headquartered in Christchurch with ten processing plants nationwide, emerged as the standout performer. The Japanese-owned enterprise secured three gold medals for its ribeye steaks, two for its sirloin steaks, and […]
Evaluating the $90 Million Initiative to Curb Methane Emissions in New Zealand’s Dairy Sector: A Progress Report
New Zealand’s $90 million initiative to tackle methane emissions from dairy cows is currently undergoing rigorous evaluation by experts and stakeholders alike. Funded equally by the New Zealand government and the dairy industry, the project targets one of the most potent greenhouse gases and has therefore sparked national and international interest. Agriculture is a major […]
Beef Progeny Test Programme in New Zealand Receives 52 Bull Nominations for 2023 Season
New Zealand’s Beef Progeny Test (BPT) programme has garnered 52 nominations from Angus, Hereford, and Simmental breeders for its 2023 mating activities. Dr Jason Archer, a genetics specialist at Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and the INZB science lead, welcomed the positive response from the breeding community. Programme Aims and Impact The BPT is […]
Weekly Update on Australia’s Cattle and Sheep Markets
Technical Issues Affect NLRS Data Presentation As of 19th October, several market reports for the week have not been uploaded to the National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) database due to technical glitches. This has affected the current display of yardings, indicator prices, and market reports. Surge in Cattle and Sheep Slaughter For the week ending […]
New Zealand’s Incoming Government Faces Agricultural Challenges Amid Economic Uncertainty
The 2023 General Election in New Zealand has resulted in a change of government, although the final seat allocation for each party remains uncertain until special votes are counted on 3 November. Regardless of its final composition, the new government faces the immediate challenge of addressing critical issues in the agricultural sector to bolster dwindling […]
Challenging Times Ahead for Sheep and Beef Farmers
Sheep and beef farmers are bracing for another challenging year, with rising farm costs expected to significantly reduce their incomes for the second consecutive year, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand. Andrew Burtt, Chief Economist at Beef + Lamb, indicated that while farm-gate prices are projected to remain consistent with the previous season, escalating […]
NZ Swine Producers Urge for Enhanced Import Guidelines Following ASF Outbreaks
New Zealand’s pork sector is sounding the alarm, urging the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to reconsider its current import policies in light of the recent African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Sweden. The call for immediate action was triggered by the Swedish Veterinary Institute’s (SVA) announcement on 7 September, confirming the country’s first cases […]
New Zealand’s Red Meat Sector Grapples with Market Instability
In a climate of global economic unpredictability, New Zealand’s red meat exports have been feeling the pinch. Data from August reveals a 16% slide in revenue year-on-year, totalling $730 million. The most striking decline was in the Chinese market, where exports plummeted by 44%, equating to $213 million. Yet, the picture isn’t entirely bleak; exports […]
