Farmers Weekly In Focus

In this episode: News Wrap | Growers face a variety of issues1: 29 – Senior reporter Richard Rennie outlines major concerns with our plant variety pipeline, saying growers face long waits and large bills when trying to import new plant variety types. He says Biosecurity NZ is aware of the issue and is reviewing regulations.Market Insights | Aus processors struggling to maintain margins7: 42 – AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington provides an update on the Australian market, where processors are struggling to maintain margins after paying top dollar for lambs. The Aussies are pumping out the beef, though and with the cattle population at high levels that will continue for a couple of years.Feature | Woolworths backing regenerative approach11:18 – Bryan catches up with Woolworths NZ sustainability manager Catherine Langabeer about a regenerative management project run with partners Leaderbrand and Plant & Food Research. Growers found using cover crops and adding compost improved yields and soil health.Feds Focus | Contractors facing weighty issues20:50 – Arable chair David Birkett says we need a stop-gap measure to ensure contractors don't face being fined as they go about their work this season. Last year some were found to be overweight when moving around the country and David says this is down to larger machinery, not larger loads.The Final Word27:15 – While all the talk is about the march of pines, some sheep and beef farmers are looking to grow their businesses, in a sign that confidence is returning to the hill country. After calls to “save our sheep” in the past few months, are sheep now beginning to save themselves?

Bryan catches up with Woolworths NZ sustainability manager Catherine Langabeer about a regenerative management project run with partners Leaderbrand and Plant & Food Research. Growers found using cover crops and adding compost improved yields and soil health.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie outlines major concerns with our plant variety pipeline, saying growers face long waits and large bills when trying to import new plant variety types. He says Biosecurity NZ is aware of the issue and is reviewing regulations.

AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington provides an update on the Australian market, where processors are struggling to maintain margins after paying top dollar for lambs. The Aussies are pumping out the beef, though and with the cattle population at high levels that will continue for a couple of years.

Arable chair David Birkett says we need a stop-gap measure to ensure contractors don't face being fined as they go about their work this season. Last year some were found to be overweight when moving around the country and David says this is down to larger machinery, not larger loads.

In this episode: News Wrap | Meeting the changing market in Japan1: 29 – Senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses his recent trip to Japan, which is faced with a population that's increasingly dominated by older people. He says protein is the buzzword and NZ food producers are primed to meet that need.Feature | Fruits of resilience: horticulture profits and challenges12:16 – Bryan catches up with Horticulture NZ chief executive Kate Scott at the industry body conference in Wellington. She says while returns have been positive, extreme weather over the past year have been challenging for growers in many regions.Feds Focus | Farmers to join emergency planning23:27 – Sandra Faulkner from Federated Farmers is celebrating Cabinet signing off on a plan to give farmers a seat at the emergency management table. She says they'll be involved in strategy and planning and also be an integral part of any major response.The Final Word30:49 – Getting older isn't something many of us think too much about, but with many nations experiencing a shift in demographics there's a real need to find ways to keep older people nourished.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses his recent trip to Japan, which is faced with a population that's increasingly dominated by older people. He says protein is the buzzword and NZ food producers are primed to meet that need.

Bryan catches up with Horticulture NZ chief executive Kate Scott at the industry body conference in Wellington. She says while returns have been positive, extreme weather over the past year have been challenging for growers in many regions.

Sandra Faulkner from Federated Farmers is celebrating Cabinet signing off on a plan to give farmers a seat at the emergency management table. She says they'll be involved in strategy and planning and also be an integral part of any major response.

In this episode: Market Insights | Historic stock sale hits a high note1:34 – AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner discusses the recent Feilding-Marton hoggett fair, which has been a highlight of the calendar for almost a century. Regular buyers were back and paid top dollar for the stock on offer.Feature | How to tackle farm succession6:27 – Lawyer Andrew Clements of Grayson Clements joins the show to share his insights on how to tackle farm succession. He says there's no one template that will work for everyone and suggests addressing the values of the people involved is more important than the value of the business.Feature | The evolving landscape of rural banking21:35 – ASB head of food and fibre Kristen Ashby joins the show to talk about rural banking, whether banks are turning woke, and just how they assess risk. She also reflects on how bankers are being asked to bring new expertise to farm businesses and how to approach succession planning.Feds Focus | Glyphosate claims out of order40:31 – Federated Farmers arable chair David Birkett takes Greenpeace to task over its recent claims about glyphosate. He says the public has been misled by the campaign, which claims glyphosate residue can be found in bread. In fact, grower contracts stipulate that glyphosate can't be used on grain grown for human consumption.The Final Word46:17 –  The wellness sector bombards us with the latest food products that will aid our health and cognition, but rarely are they backed by science. This week, however, NZ kiwifruit did get a big scientific tick, after the European Union signed off on a health claim that kiwifruit aids digestive health. It's these sorts of claims we should really be believing.

Lawyer Andrew Clements of Grayson Clements joins the show to share his insights on how to tackle farm succession. He says there's no one template that will work for everyone and suggests addressing the values of the people involved is more important than the value of the business.

ASB head of food and fibre Kristen Ashby joins the show to talk about rural banking, whether banks are turning woke, and just how they assess risk. She also reflects on how bankers are being asked to bring new expertise to farm businesses and how to approach succession planning.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner discusses the recent Feilding-Marton hoggett fair, which has been a highlight of the calendar for almost a century. Regular buyers were back and paid top dollar for the stock on offer.

Federated Farmers arable chair David Birkett takes Greenpeace to task over its recent claims about glyphosate. He says the public has been misled by the campaign, which claims glyphosate residue can be found in bread. In fact, grower contracts stipulate that glyphosate can't be used on grain grown for human consumption.

(00:00:00) Full Show | 15 August (00:01:25) Meeting Japan's changing market (00:10:20) Understanding the impact of US tariffs on exports (00:16:51) Navigating New Zealand's ag visa system (00:23:30) The Final Word In this episode:News Wrap | Meeting Japan's changing market1:26 – Senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses the gene technology legislation currently passing through parliament, and previews his upcoming trip to Japan, where he'll report on the new trends emerging in one of our biggest export partners.Market Insights | Understanding the impact of US tariffs on exports10:21 – AgriHQ senior Mel Croad discusses the recent increase in tariffs on New Zealand's beef exports to the United States, the implications for the market, and the competitive landscape involving Australia and Brazil. NZ is now paying 15% to sell into the US market, but Mel says there doesn't seem to be any rash moves being considered as exporters take a wait and see approach.Feds Focus | Navigating New Zealand's ag visa system16:52 – Federated Farmers dairy chair Karl Dean says farmers will be breathing a sigh of relief after two new visa categories were introduced, making it much easier for farmers and growers to access the skilled people they need at the right time of the year.He discusses the introduction of two new seasonal work visas in New Zealand aimed at providing farmers with more certainty in securing skilled labour and the workforce challenges the sector faces.The Final Word23:21 – Dawn Meats of Ireland has been selected as the preferred partner for Alliance Group, and while the injection of capital will steady the ship, will NZ farmers still control the tiller?

Senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses the gene technology legislation currently passing through parliament, and previews his upcoming trip to Japan, where he'll report on the new trends emerging in one of our biggest export partners.

AgriHQ senior Mel Croad discusses the recent increase in tariffs on New Zealand's beef exports to the United States, the implications for the market, and the competitive landscape involving Australia and Brazil. NZ is now paying 15% to sell into the US market, but Mel says there doesn't seem to be any rash moves being considered as exporters take a wait and see approach.

Federated Farmers dairy chair Karl Dean says farmers will be breathing a sigh of relief after two new visa categories were introduced, making it much easier for farmers and growers to access the skilled people they need at the right time of the year.They discuss the introduction of two new seasonal work visas in New Zealand aimed at providing farmers with more certainty in securing skilled labour and the workforce challenges the sector faces.

In this episode: News Wrap | A look into the funding future of Alliance Group1:43 – Senior reporter Neal Wallace previews the big announcement from Alliance Group next week, where they'll announce the result of their search for an investor. Market Insights | Young cattle bringing value to traders6:18 – AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington has been diving into the data and has some insight into the value young cattle are bringing to traders. Feeder calf prices were high earlier in the year but they're being sold at a premium now so good margins are being enjoyed.Feature | Breeding sheep of the future10:40 – Focus Genetics general manager Matt Johnson chats with Bryan about the Sheep of the Future programme being run in partnership with AgResearch, Pāmu and the Ministry for Primary Industries. They're working to breed sheep that are heat tolerant, disease resistant, and easy to handle while also possessing the characteristics traditionally sought after for meat quality. Feds Focus | The fight for rural safety in Canterbury17:50 – Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green joins the show to chat about the proposed restructure of Canterbury's Police force, which she says will leave some communities without full-time cover. Farmers aired their concerns at two meetings this week.The Final Word23:38 – Central Hawke's Bay farmer Bayden Andersen is living the dream – managing a farm in a community he loves. But he worries his kids might not have that option, as more and more farms convert to forestry in the region.

Focus Genetics general manager Matt Johnson chats with Bryan about the Sheep of the Future programme being run in partnership with AgResearch, Pāmu and the Ministry for Primary Industries. They're working to breed sheep that are heat tolerant, disease resistant, and easy to handle while also possessing the characteristics traditionally sought after for meat quality.

Senior reporter Neal Wallace previews the big announcement from Alliance Group next week, where they'll announce the result of their search for an investor.

AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington has been diving into the data and has some insight into the value young cattle are bringing to traders. Feeder calf prices were high earlier in the year but they're being sold at a premium now so good margins are being enjoyed.

Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green joins the show to chat about the proposed restructure of Canterbury's Police force, which she says will leave some communities without full-time cover. Farmers aired their concerns at two meetings this week.

In this episode:Market Insights | Buyers return to feeder calf market1:38 – AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie has an update on the early feeder calf sales, with rearers returning to the rails to buy up young stock. Input costs are still stubbornly high but Fiona says there's a good margin there for careful operators.Feature | Genetic opportunities in dairy beef production7:07 – Wyoming rancher Lee Leachman discusses the evolution of Leachman Cattle, a leading seed stock operation in the United States, focusing on profit-driven genetics and the growing market for beef on dairy. He shares insights on the genetic advancements in dairy beef production, the challenges and opportunities in New Zealand's livestock market, and the comparative advantages of grass-fed beef in both countries.Feds Focus | Confidence returns to sector17:15 – Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford joins the show to discuss the latest farm confidence survey that shows farmers are feeling good right now. Wayne says there are a number of factors, including  strong farmgate returns and a better regulatory environment.The Final Word22:02 – No one has emerged from the great butter debate looking all that good. But while fingers are pointed and responsibility shirked, the fact remains that many New Zealanders can't afford to buy our staple spread.

Wyoming rancher Lee Leachman discusses the evolution of Leachman Cattle, a leading seed stock operation in the United States, focusing on profit-driven genetics and the growing market for beef on dairy.He shares insights on the genetic advancements in dairy beef production, the challenges and opportunities in New Zealand's livestock market, and the comparative advantages of grass-fed beef in both countries.

AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie has an update on the early feeder calf sales, with rearers returning to the rails to buy up young stock. Input costs are still stubbornly high but Fiona says there's a good margin there for careful operators.

Feds president Wayne Langford joins the show to discuss the latest farm confidence survey that shows farmers are feeling good right now. Wayne says there are a number of factors, including  strong farmgate returns and a better regulatory environment.

(00:00:00) Full Show | July 25 (00:01:33) Record returns for red meat exports (00:09:46) Red meat sector looks to increase value (00:22:32) Advocating for the dairy sector (00:31:22) The Final Word In this episode:Market Insights | Record returns for red meat exports1:34 – AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad reports on record export returns for red meat. She tells Bryan whether those prices will hold up as we head into the new season.Feature | Red meat sector looks to increase value9:46 – Meat Industry Association independent chair Nathan Guy joins the show to wrap up the Red Meat Sector Conference. He chats about the plan to break down non-tariff barriers, the new strategy to extract more value from our red meat sector, and discusses our over-capacity issue.Feds Focus | Advocating for the dairy sector22:33 – Federated Farmers South Canterbury dairy chair and Feds Dairy Advocate of the Year Jimmy Emmett joins the show to talk about his unique journey to the dairy farm. Jimmy ran a bar in Christchurch for a number of years but took a punt on dairying about 16 years ago. He says there are some similarities between managing drinkers and managing dairy cows. The Final Word31:23 – A recent viral post from Tim Deane asked why our national rugby team was selling synthetic beanies to fans. Perhaps it's time for the All Blacks to get behind our fantastic wool fibre and help promote its qualities of strength and resilience.

Meat Industry Association independent chair Nathan Guy joins the show to wrap up the Red Meat Sector Conference. He chats about the plan to break down non-tariff barriers, the new strategy to extract more value from our red meat sector, and discusses our over-capacity issue.

AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad reports on record export returns for red meat. She tells Bryan whether those prices will hold up as we head into the new season.

Federated Farmers South Canterbury dairy chair and Feds Dairy Advocate of the Year Jimmy Emmett joins the show to talk about his unique journey to the dairy farm. Jimmy ran a bar in Christchurch for a number of years but took a punt on dairying about 16 years ago. He says there are some similarities between managing drinkers and managing dairy cows. 

In this episode:News Wrap | Zespri takes on plant variety applicant1:38 – Richard Rennie outlines how Zespri is opposing the registration of a type of fruit that it says is a version of its own SunGold variety. And, he reports that Rabobank and the government have given more funding to keep catchment groups going for a while longer.Market Insights | Winter store markets still red hot6:17 – AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner checks in from Stortford Lodge to chat about the winter store markets. She says sky-high prices for lambs may be levelling off, but in the cattle pens vendors are still getting top money.Feature | Sheep a source of high-value health products12:15 – A Christchurch company has found a unique way of extracting collagen from sheep skins and now exports its ingredients and products around the world. Bryan talks to Tertiary Extracts Õtautahi co-founder Dr Rob Kelly about the value to be captured in the growing industry.Feds Focus | Green taxonomy fails to identify farming22:33 – Federated Farmers banking spokesperson Mark Hooper outlines his issues with the proposed Sustainable Finance Taxonomy, being developed by the Centre for Sustainable Finance and the Ministry for the Environment to provide a consistent framework for defining what is ‘green' or ‘sustainable' in financial markets.The Final Word30:52 – It seems odd that in the same week the government gave flood-hit farmers money to help recover from flooding, Ministers were telling local government leaders they were going to limit future rates rises. Is this the right way to tackle our massive infrastructure deficit?

A Christchurch company has found a unique way of extracting collagen from sheep skins and now exports its ingredients and products around the world. Bryan talks to Tertiary Extracts Õtautahi co-founder Dr Rob Kelly about the value to be captured in the growing industry.

Richard Rennie outlines how Zespri is opposing the registration of a type of fruit that it says is a version of its own SunGold variety. And, he reports that Rabobank and the government have given more funding to keep catchment groups going for a while longer.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner checks in from Stortford Lodge to chat about the winter store markets. She says sky-high prices for lambs may be levelling off, but in the cattle pens vendors are still getting top money.

Federated Farmers banking spokesperson Mark Hooper outlines his issues with the proposed Sustainable Finance Taxonomy, being developed by the Centre for Sustainable Finance and the Ministry for the Environment to provide a consistent framework for defining what is ‘green' or ‘sustainable' in financial markets.

In this episode: News Wrap | Emissions reduction and the profitable farm1:48 – DairyNZ head of data science and modelling Mark Neal tells Bryan about a newly released study that shows any farm in any region can be profitable and emissions efficient. The study drew on data from DairyNZ, Dairybase, Fonterra and LIC.Feature | Agroecology coach favours relationships over recipes7:56 – Nicole Masters, an agroecology coach, reckons that if we're going to improve environmental outcomes we need to stop focusing on data and rules and instead look to relationships and values. Masters says farmers tend to use intuition when making big decisions, rather than relying on facts and figures.Feds Focus | Richard Dawkins takes on sheep and beef challenge20:58 – We catch up with Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Richard Dawkins, a Marlborough farmer who was voted onto the national executive a few weeks ago. Richard talks about his farming life and what the meat and wool executive has planned for the months ahead.The Final Word29:15 – Nuffield scholar Hugh Ritchie has some advice for today's farmers – look up and look out. He says there's plenty of innovation out there that could transform NZ farm systems, if we're willing to find it.

Nicole Masters, an agroecology coach, reckons that if we're going to improve environmental outcomes we need to stop focusing on data and rules and instead look to relationships and values. Masters says farmers tend to use intuition when making big decisions, rather than relying on facts and figures.

DairyNZ head of data science and modelling Mark Neal tells Bryan about a newly released study that shows any farm in any region can be profitable and emissions efficient. The study drew on data from DairyNZ, Dairybase, Fonterra and LIC.

Bryan meets the new Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Richard Dawkins, a Marlborough farmer who was voted onto the national executive a few weeks ago. Richard talks about his farming life and what the meat and wool executive has planned for the months ahead.

In this episode: News Wrap | Alliance's financial D-Day draws nearer1:43 – Senior reporter Neal Wallace outlines the latest developments in the Alliance funding saga as the clock ticks this month on an announcement about how the co-operative will raise the $200 million needed after two years of tough losses. He also talks to Richard about the other elephant in the room – ongoing overcapacity issues and how they still need to be resolved, regardless of what structure Alliance takes.Neal is also catching up about the fate of a US$80 million Jeff Bezos-backed methane-detecting satellite that has disappeared into space. Feature | The shift in New Zealanders' relationship with Asia9:25 – Dr Julia Macdonald, director of research and engagement at the Asia New Zealand Foundation, talks about the Foundation's latest “Perceptions of Asia” survey results. It's a deep dive into how New Zealanders relate to Asia, in a business, social and cultural sense. It also highlights just how far we have come in our understanding about that populous place, and how important we see Asian success being Kiwi success. Feds Focus | Karl Dean takes on role as dairy chair 19:36 – Karl Dean, sharemilking at Leeston in Canterbury, unpacks where he sees the big challenges in his new role as the Federated Farmers national dairy chair. He talks about the mixed bag of local and national issues that are likely to be challenging dairy farmers over the coming couple of years including migrant labour regulations, climate challenges and the perennial challenge of farm costs.For the Fed's 2024 Rural Advocate of the Year, it is a big, but welcome step up into the new role.

Julia Macdonald, director of research and engagement at the Asia New Zealand Foundation, talks about the Foundation's latest “Perceptions of Asia” survey results. It's a deep dive into how New Zealanders relate to Asia, in a business, social and cultural sense. It also highlights just how far we have come in our understanding about that populous place, and how important we see Asian success being Kiwi success.

Senior reporter Neal Wallace outlines the latest developments in the Alliance funding saga as the clock ticks this month on an announcement about how the co-operative will raise the $200 million needed after two years of tough losses.He also talks to Richard about the other elephant in the room – ongoing overcapacity issues and how they still need to be resolved, regardless of what structure Alliance takes.Neal is also catching up about the fate of a US$80 million Jeff Bezos-backed methane-detecting satellite that has disappeared into space.

Karl Dean, sharemilking at Leeston in Canterbury, unpacks where he sees the big challenges in his new role as the Federated Farmers national dairy chair. He talks about the mixed bag of local and national issues that are likely to be challenging dairy farmers over the coming couple of years including migrant labour regulations, climate challenges and the perennial challenge of farm costs.For the Fed's 2024 Rural Advocate of the Year, it is a big, but welcome step up into the new role.

In this episode: News Wrap | The impact of slow agri-chemical approvals1: 20 – Senior reporter Richard Rennie unpacks Bayer Crop Science's exit from New Zealand. He says the exit highlights significant challenges in NZ's agricultural sector, particularly regarding the slow approval rates for new agri-chemical products, hindering local trials critical for product approval.He also tells Bryan about challenges faced by catchment groups, which are crucial for addressing local farming issues. Feature | The evolving role of young farmers in agriculture7:37 – Young Farmers' new CEO, Cheyne Gillooly, joins the show to discuss his vision for the organisation, and the evolving role of young farmers in the agricultural sector. He says the sector is a lot more ambitious as it used to be, which is great for the future of farming. He also previews the upcoming Young Farmers Grand Final and the excitement surrounding it.Feds Focus | McIntyre bids farewell to Federated Farmers20:12 – Richard McIntyre reflects on his time with Federated Farmers, saying his departure comes with mixed emotions. He tells Bryan about the challenges faced during his tenure, including government regulations and the importance of effective communication with farmers, and says he's grateful for the support received during his time at Feds.The Final Word24:59 – Bryan weighs in on corporate responsibility in the food sector and the importance of supporting local agriculture.

Young Farmers' new CEO, Cheyne Gillooly, joins the show to discuss his vision for the organisation, and the evolving role of young farmers in the agricultural sector. He says the sector is a lot more ambitious as it used to be, which is great for the future of farming. He also previews the upcoming Young Farmers Grand Final and the excitement surrounding it.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie unpacks Bayer Crop Science's exit from New Zealand. He says the exit highlights significant challenges in NZ's agricultural sector, particularly regarding the slow approval rates for new agri-chemical products, which hinders local trials critical for product approval.He also tells Bryan about challenges faced by catchment groups, which are crucial for addressing local farming issues. 

Richard McIntyre reflects on his time with Federated Farmers, saying his departure comes with mixed emotions. He tells Bryan about the challenges faced during his tenure, including government regulations and the importance of effective communication with farmers, and says he's grateful for the support received during his time at Feds.

In this episode:News Wrap | Real estate market comes back to life1: 38 – Senior reporter Neal Wallace tells Bryan that farm sales are picking up and agents across the country are seeing more interest from buyers looking to farm, rather than plant.Market Insights | Stormy seas hinder Chathams lambs7:19 – AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner joins the show to talk about how farmers are faring on the Chatham Islands. They've been battling the weather in an effort to get lambs to market. They're hoping to cash in on strong farmgate prices being enjoyed on the mainland.Feature | Native forests a carbon champion?15:12 – We also caught up with Dr Beata Bukosa, a NIWA scientist who has just published a paper that shows our native forests are sequestering far more carbon than previously thought. Using a new technique, Bukosa found that previous thinking on mature native forests being carbon neutral may be wrong and that they continue storing it at a good rate.Feds Focus | Spreadmark code gets an update23:30 – Executive director of the Fertiliser Quality Council Tyler Langford explains what's in the recent update to the Spreakmark code and why it's good news for farmers and the environment.The Final Word30:36 – Two recent stories in Farmers Weekly show farming's future is in great hands. They're winning innovation awards, growing meaningful communities and meeting challenges head on.

Bryan catches up with Dr Beata Bukosa, a NIWA scientist who has just published a paper that shows our native forests are sequestering far more carbon than previously thought. Using a new technique, Bukosa found that previous thinking on mature native forests being carbon neutral may be wrong and that they continue storing it at a good rate.

Senior reporter Neal Wallace tells Bryan that farm sales are picking up and agents across the country are seeing more interest from buyers looking to farm, rather than plant.