Farmers Weekly In Focus

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.

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.

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.

In this episode: Market Insights | Dwindling sheep numbers worrying exporters1:36 – AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington reveals some worrying data about our sheep population. Numbers are down and processors are struggling to find stock to export.Feature | Checking out the herd at Fieldays7:15 – Fieldays is underway at Mystery Creek and senior reporter Richard Rennie is there taking in the sights and sounds. In our feature interview he talks with herd-i chief executive Liz Muller about whether farmers are spending this year and how the company is tracking.Feds Focus | Petition to use KiwiSaver for property investment17:41 – Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre chats about the petition they've launched to try and get the government to make good on its promise to allow farmers to use their KiwiSaver to invest in property. Right now they're not allowed if they don't live in the house they buy.The Final Word22:10 – The Ahuwhenua Trophy was another fantastic celebration of Māori farming. But are we doing enough in the food and fibre sector to support this primary powerhouse? And, isn't it time we adopted the mindset these great farmers have to improve the lot of every farmer?

Fieldays is underway at Mystery Creek and senior reporter Richard Rennie is there taking in the sights and sounds. In our feature interview he talks with herd-i chief executive Liz Muller about whether farmers are spending this year and how the company is tracking.

AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington reveals some worrying data about our sheep population. Numbers are down and processors are struggling to find stock to export.

Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre chats about the petition they've launched to try and get the government to make good on its promise to allow farmers to use their KiwiSaver to invest in property. Right now they're not allowed if they don't live in the house they buy.

In this episode: News Wrap | Taiwan hungry for NZ dairy products1:34 – Senior reporter Richard Rennie wraps up his trip to Taiwan, a fascinating market that's hungry for NZ dairy products and has a discerning and high-value consumer base.Market Insights | In-lamb ewes hit the saleyards10:26 – AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie wraps up the early sales for in-lamb ewes. With less breeding stock on the hills there's fewer buyers but prices are holding for now.Feature | Energy as a new crop option for farms14:40 – Farmers now have a new and simple way to diversify into electricity generation. Farmlands Flex offers the technology, infrastructure and collective buying power for farmers to not only save on energy bills but also build resilience in the grid. Farmlands chief executive Tanya Houghton explains the initiative to Bryan.Feds Focus | Freshwater reforms get a tick from Feds26:11 – Federated Farmers vice-president Colin Hurst says he's happy with the proposed freshwater reforms that should empower catchments to solve their environmental issues themselves. The Final Word34:29 – State Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown has told Pāmu to up its game and provide the government a better return. But what is the value we expect from the state-owned farmer? Is it just dollars or does Pāmu offer other things that help our industry flourish?

Farmers now have a new and simple way to diversify into electricity generation. Farmlands Flex offers the technology, infrastructure and collective buying power for farmers to not only save on energy bills but also build resilience in the grid. Farmlands chief executive Tanya Houghton explains the initiative to Bryan.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie wraps up his trip to Taiwan, a fascinating market that's hungry for NZ dairy products and has a discerning and high-value consumer base.

AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie wraps up the early sales for in-lamb ewes. With less breeding stock on the hills there's fewer buyers but prices are holding for now.

Federated Farmers vice-president Colin Hurst tells Bryan he's happy with the proposed freshwater reforms that should empower catchments to solve their environmental issues themselves.

In this episode:Market Insights | Winter prep underway to set stock numbers1:34 – AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner has all the news from the saleyards. With winter almost here, farmers are getting stock numbers set for the colder months, but Suz reckons prices are holding up for vendors.Feature | Farming needs to build long-term resilience6:59 – The annual KPMG Agribusiness Agenda was launched at E Tipu: The NZ Future Food and Fibre Summit in Palmerston North. Bryan sat down with head of consumer/industrial markets agriculture Ian Proudfoot to talk through the agenda. Ian's calling for our food and fibre sector to form a long-term strategy that gives certainty and confidence to those being buffeted by constant challenges.Feds Focus | Drystock sector is facing a crisis20:39 – Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams says the drystock sector is facing a crisis and it will take a big effort to restore confidence to the hill country. He's calling on the farming sector, government and everyone else with a stake in our economic wellbeing to work together to save our sheep.The Final Word28:25 – It's a running joke at farming conferences that the most overused word is collaboration. But with the world experiencing more geopolitical turmoil and big challenges here at home, the right sort of collaboration will be the key to future success.

The annual KPMG Agribusiness Agenda was launched at E Tipu: The NZ Future Food and Fibre Summit in Palmerston North.Bryan sat down with head of consumer/industrial markets agriculture Ian Proudfoot to talk through the agenda. Ian's calling for our food and fibre sector to form a long-term strategy that gives certainty and confidence to those being buffeted by constant challenges.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner has all the news from the saleyards. With winter almost here, farmers are getting stock numbers set for the colder months, but Suz reckons prices are holding up for vendors.

Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams says the drystock sector is facing a crisis and it will take a big effort to restore confidence to the hill country. He's calling on the farming sector, government and everyone else with a stake in our economic wellbeing to work together to save our sheep.

In this week's episode:Market Insights | Store markets are holding strong 1:29 – AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad tells Bryan that store markets are holding strong and a lack of available stock is seeing processors offer hefty contracts. Luckily, export returns are holding up and should balance out the high prices here at home.Feature | What to expect at NZ's food and fibre summit8:29 – Food HQ chief executive Dr Victoria Hatton joins the studio to preview next week's E Tipu conference in Palmerston North. The conference will tackle four big themes – Understanding our place in the world, Growing value, investing in growth and growing futures.Feds Focus | Emergency management rules need some changes19:05 – Federated Farmers adverse event spokesperson Sandra Faulkner says she's pushing for changes to the proposed emergency management regulations. A discussion document is light on farmer input and Sandra says rural communities are at the heart of many emergency responses.The Final Word26:54 – Lincoln University researchers have busted the myth that government regulation is a handbrake on farm profitability. They studied farmers in the Selwyn District facing stringent regulations and found those farmers understood the need for them and also enjoyed efficiency gains and a rise in land values.

Food HQ chief executive Dr Victoria Hatton joins Bryan to preview next week's E Tipu conference in Palmerston North. The conference will tackle four big themes – Understanding our place in the world, Growing value, investing in growth and growing futures.

AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad tells Bryan that store markets are holding strong and a lack of available stock is seeing processors offer hefty contracts. Luckily, export returns are holding up and should balance out the high prices here at home.

Federated Farmers adverse event spokesperson Sandra Faulkner says she's pushing for changes to the proposed emergency management regulations. A discussion document is light on farmer input and Sandra says rural communities are at the heart of many emergency responses.

(00:00:00) Full Show | May 16 (00:01:47) Foresters fume at new rules in Tairāwhiti (00:09:47) Wetland or livestock? Methane study holds the answer (00:19:21) Government methane target must come down (00:28:43) The Final Word In this episode: News Wrap | Foresters fume at new rules in Tairāwhiti1:48 – Senior reporter Richard Rennie tells Bryan that foresters are not happy with new rules being put forward on the East Coast. They say at best they'll be hard to achieve and at worst will make forestry impossible.Feature | Wetland or livestock? Methane study holds the answer9:48 – NIWA scientist Dr Christian Stiegler talks about a research project that will give us the ability to differentiate methane emitted by livestock from that emitted from wetlands. It could give farmers and policy-makers more insight into where emissions come from and how to manage them better.Feds Focus | Government methane target must come down19:22 – Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams says he's urging the government not to stick with its likely 24% reduction target for methane. He says it's a death sentence for the sheep and beef sector.The Final Word28:44 – Some processors are rolling out sustainability programmes for their farmer-suppliers, and according to Fonterra, theirs is helping move some commodity products into value-add territory. The increased transparency and certainty has led some customers to buy on contract, rather than at auction, with farmers being rewarded for their work.

NIWA scientist Dr Christian Stiegler tells Bryan about a research project that will give us the ability to differentiate methane emitted by livestock from that emitted from wetlands. It could give farmers and policy-makers more insight into where emissions come from and how to manage them better.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie tells Bryan that foresters are not happy with new rules being put forward on the East Coast. They say at best they'll be hard to achieve and at worst will make forestry impossible.

Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams says he's urging the government not to stick with its likely 24% reduction target for methane. He says it's a death sentence for the sheep and beef sector.

In this week's show: News Wrap | Farming powers government's science advice1:43 – Senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses the appointment of Dr John Roche as the Prime Minister's new science advisor. He also reports on how the Australian election may have dashed hopes of the continuation of the live export trade across the Tasman. Market Insights | Rain a big influence in the saleyards11:36 – AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie says recent rain in many regions has had a big impact on the livestock markets, with some stock and buyers unable to get to the yards. The rain has also boosted grass growth in some regions and that's reflected in buying trends. Feature | Greens want level playing field on animal welfare16:10 – Green Party agriculture and animal welfare spokesperson Steve Abel joins the studio to discuss his new Members' Bill that would hold imported food to the same animal welfare standards we have here. Steve also outlines the party's vision for a thriving food and fibre sector. Feds Focus | Government reminded of KiwiSaver promise35:10 – Federated Farmers banking spokesperson Richard McIntyre has reminded the government of its promise to alter KiwiSaver regulations to allow farmers to invest in property off-farm. He says it's unfair that some New Zealanders can use their fund to get ahead while farmers are unable to do the same thing.The Final Word 40:30 – As New Zealand begins trade negotiations with India, Bryan says holding out for a deal that includes free access for our dairy industry might not be in the best interests of our food and fibre sector as a whole. Follow the Farmers Weekly Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Send us your feedback or get in touch at farmers.weekly@agrihq.co.nz

Green Party agriculture and animal welfare spokesperson Steve Abel joins the studio to discuss his new Members' Bill that would hold imported food to the same animal welfare standards we have here. Steve also outlines the party's vision for a thriving food and fibre sector.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses the appointment of Dr John Roche as the Prime Minister's new science advisor. He also reports on how the Australian election may have dashed hopes of the continuation of the live export trade across the Tasman.

AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie says recent rain in many regions has had a big impact on the livestock markets, with some stock and buyers unable to get to the yards. The rain has also boosted grass growth in some regions and that's reflected in buying trends.

Federated Farmers banking spokesperson Richard McIntyre has reminded the government of its promise to alter KiwiSaver regulations to allow farmers to invest in property off-farm.He says it's unfair that some New Zealanders can use their fund to get ahead while farmers are unable to do the same thing.

In this week's show:News Wrap | Senior reporter Richard Rennie asked senior NZ scientists whether we could benefit from the exodus of talent from the United States following Donald Trump's cuts to science funding. The answer? Probably not.Market Insights | AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner tells Bryan that the high prices being paid for stock at the yards this year may be here to stay. She says it's a welcome boost and will offset the big input cost hikes farmers have faced in recent years.Feature | Louise Gibson from The Sharefarming Consultants joins the studio to talk about their new survey on contract milking that reveals many are subjected to abuse, stress, sub-par living arrangements and requests to break the law.Feds Focus | Federated Farmers Southland president Jason Herrick says duck populations are rising but farmers have their hands tied when it comes to dealing with the issue. He says changes need to be made to permitting regulations so crops can be saved from the busy beaks.

Bryan talks with Louise Gibson from The Sharefarming Consultants about their new survey on contract milking that reveals many are subjected to abuse, stress, sub-par living arrangements and requests to break the law.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie asked senior NZ scientists whether we could benefit from the exodus of talent from the United States following Donald Trump's cuts to science funding. The answer? Probably not.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner tells Bryan that the high prices being paid for stock at the yards this year may be here to stay. She says it's a welcome boost and will offset the big input cost hikes farmers have faced in recent years.

Federated Farmers Southland president Jason Herrick says duck populations are rising but farmers have their hands tied when it comes to dealing with the issue. He says changes need to be made to permitting regulations so crops can be saved from the busy beaks.

Bryan talks trade with Farmers Weekly's trade reporter Nigel Stirling. They cover the new alliance being sought and whether New Zealand will take action against Donald Trump for imposing tariffs on it.AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington joins Bryan to discuss how Australian farmers are faring and what their plans are for meat exports over the next year or so. With parts of the country in drought and others recently flooded, is the era of Aussie market dominance at risk?Federated Farmers vie-president Colin Hurst updates Bryan on the recent court case where Ngai Tahu is seeking sovereignty over freshwater in the South island. Federated Farmers gave evidence as an interested party and Colin says the case has big implications for farmers.

Bryan talks trade with Farmers Weekly's trade reporter Nigel Stirling. They cover the new alliance being sought and whether New Zealand will take action against Donald Trump for imposing tariffs on it.

AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington joins Bryan to discuss how Australian farmers are faring and what their plans are for meat exports over the next year or so. With parts of the country in drought and others recently flooded, is the era of Aussie market dominance at risk?

Federated Farmers vie-president Colin Hurst updates Bryan on the recent court case where Ngai Tahu is seeking sovereignty over freshwater in the South island. Federated Farmers gave evidence as an interested party and Colin says the case has big implications for farmers.

This week:Senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses a new app that gives farmers a precise pasture measurement by simply taking a short video of a paddock on a smartphone. He reports on the government's plan to wind up the Green Investment Fund and talks to one of its success stories, Ruminant Biotech. And there's news on a big farm sale in the Waikato/Coromandel region.Senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses a new app that gives farmers a precise pasture measurement by simply taking a short video of a paddock on a smartphone. He reports on the government's plan to wind up the Green Investment Fund and talks to one of its success stories, Ruminant Biotech. And there's news on a big farm sale in the Waikato/Coromandel region.Federated Farmers spokesperson Sandra Faulkner is over the moon at the government's decision to favour wool products in state buildings. She says it will bring confidence back to an industry that has been lacking it for some time.

Bryan visited a Manawatū farm with Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard this week to see some of the great work the Manawatū Catchment Collective has underway. Hoggard says he liked what he saw and is working on solutions to the funding shortfall many groups face.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses a new app that gives farmers a precise pasture measurement by simply taking a short video of a paddock on a smartphone. He reports on the government's plan to wind up the Green Investment Fund and talks to one of its success stories, Ruminant Biotech. And there's news on a big farm sale in the Waikato/Coromandel region.

Federated Farmers spokesperson Sandra Faulkner is over the moon at the government's decision to favour wool products in state buildings. She says it will bring confidence back to an industry that has been lacking it for some time.

In this week's show:AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad tries to find some sense in Donald Trump's tariff strategy. She says that our meat exports to the United States are holding up well and with shortages of supply there, we could find they continue to perform well.Bryan sits down with five Lincoln University students to find out their views of New Zealand's food and fibre sector. Second-year students Cameron Brans, Crystal Jewell, Brooke Jewell and Georgia Checkley, and fourth-year honours student Natasha Hastie discuss why they chose a career in agriculture and what they think the big issues the industry faces are.Federated Farmers spokesperson Richard McIntyre joins the show to tell us why he thinks Greenpeace should be stripped of its charity status. Richard reckons the recent action that saw activists take over a part of Port Taranaki in protest of the use of palm kernel by the dairy industry crosses the line.

Bryan sits down with five Lincoln University students to find out their views of New Zealand's food and fibre sector.Second-year students Cameron Brans, Crystal Jewell, Brooke Jewell and Georgia Checkley, and fourth-year honours student Natasha Hastie discuss why they chose a career in agriculture and what they think the big issues the industry faces are.

AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad tries to find some sense in Donald Trump's tariff strategy. She says that our meat exports to the United States are holding up well and with shortages of supply there, we could find they continue to perform well.

Federated Farmers spokesperson Richard McIntyre joins the show to tell us why he thinks Greenpeace should be stripped of its charity status. Richard reckons the recent action that saw activists take over a part of Port Taranaki in protest of the use of palm kernel by the dairy industry crosses the line.

In this week's show:Senior reporter Neal Wallace wraps up his trip to Singapore, where he visited some of the innovative food technology and production businesses that are at the heart of the nation's big food business.Forest scientist Simeon Smaill from Scion tells Bryan that if we're to plant the number of native trees we need to, we're going to have to apply the same scientific rigour we showed when we were focused on pine trees. Federated Farmers health and safety spokesperson David Birkett says changes to the health and safety regulations are a positive step for farmers. He says improved farm safety will come from a ground-up approach, not from more box-ticking.

Forest scientist Simeon Smaill from Scion tells Bryan that if we're to plant the number of native trees we need to, we're going to have to apply the same scientific rigour we showed when we were focused on pine trees.

Senior reporter Neal Wallace wraps up his trip to Singapore, where he visited some of the innovative food technology and production businesses that are at the heart of the nation's big food business.