Scrutiny Sought Over New Zealand Banks’ Emissions Policies in the Agriculture Sector

Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Richard McIntyre, has raised concerns over the Net Zero Banking Alliance, a coalition of international banks committed to financing climate action to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. McIntyre questions whether the alliance compromises the competitive nature of banking in New Zealand, particularly in the agricultural sector. The Bank […]
Navigating Market Changes and Technological Innovations: A Roadmap for New Zealand’s Agriculture Sector

Speaking at the recent New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association conference in Auckland, Ian Proudfoot, the head of agribusiness at KPMG, offered a comprehensive outlook on the future of New Zealand’s agriculture sector. He underscored the necessity for market diversification and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in an ever-evolving global environment. Proudfoot pointed out […]
Navigating Economic Challenges: A Comprehensive Analysis of Dairy and Meat Sectors Amid Market Volatility

Recent data from Rabobank has spotlighted the significant challenges facing the dairy sector, with China’s economic recalibration serving as a key factor. The industry is preparing for an extended period of subdued demand, particularly from China. On a global scale, milk production is also showing early signs of deceleration. For instance, New Zealand’s milk output […]
New Zealand Farmers Face Inflationary Pressures: Government Not to Blame, Says O’Connor

In a recent interview with Country TV, New Zealand’s Agriculture Minister, Damien O’Connor, discussed the challenges facing the country’s farming sector. O’Connor attributed the rising costs in the industry to the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, which has significantly impacted fuel prices. He also addressed the discontent within the farming community, emphasising that the government is not […]
New Zealand’s Economic Landscape: A Mixed Bag of Opportunities and Challenges

Fonterra’s Revised Milk Price Forecast: A Respite Amid Uncertainties Fonterra has updated its farmgate milk price forecast for the 2023/24 season, elevating the range to $6.50-$8.00 per kgMS, a significant increase from the earlier $6.00-$7.50. The new midpoint is now pegged at $7.25, up from $6.75. This adjustment offers some financial relief to farmers who […]
Rising Drench Resistance Poses Serious Threat to New Zealand Sheep Farms

New data from Techion’s DrenchSmart service reveals a concerning rise in drench resistance on New Zealand sheep farms. The service, which conducts faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT), reports that the failure rate of triple drenches has increased from 15% to 27% over the past three years. This alarming trend threatens the productivity and sustainability […]
New Report Forecasts 30% Profit Slump for New Zealand’s Sheep and Beef Farms

Farmers in New Zealand’s sheep and beef sectors are facing a tough year ahead, with a new study predicting a 30% fall in profits for the upcoming season. Released today, the Beef and Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) New Season Outlook for 2023-24 suggests that although there may be a slight uptick in global demand for […]
Time for a Regulatory Rethink in Sheep and Beef Farming, Says Beef + Lamb NZ

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (BLNZ) is urging the government to reconsider its approach to environmental regulations affecting sheep and beef farmers. This comes in the wake of a report by consultancy firm BakerAg, which BLNZ says underscores the financial and administrative strain these regulations are placing on farmers. BLNZ Chief Executive Sam McIvor emphasises […]
NZ Farmers Voice Opposition to Labour’s Eco-Policies as Elections Loom

As New Zealand readies itself for the forthcoming elections, the nation’s farmers are throwing their weight behind right-leaning parties, voicing strong disapproval of the Labour Party’s green initiatives. This collective discontent among the agricultural community could play a pivotal role in determining the election’s outcome. Growing Resentment Among Farmers Farmers, who once lent their support […]
New Zealand’s Economic Landscape: A Week in Review

Reserve Bank Holds Steady on Official Cash Rate In a move that met widespread expectations, the Reserve Bank has kept the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 5.50%. The institution clarified that this rate is effectively tempering economic activity and easing inflationary pressures. The bank also emphasized that the New Zealand economy will need to experience […]