Farmers Weekly In Focus

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.

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.

In this week's show:Senior reporter Richard Rennie chats about his recent visit to Scion's headquarters in Rotorua, where he caught up with the latest research on both exotic and native trees. He also has the results of the recent Champions of Cheese awards and the inside information on a new wood pellet processing plant in the central North Island.AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie joins the show to talk about the calf sales in the South Island. Early sales have continued the good prices vendors enjoyed at North Island weaner fairs and she says upcoming sales in the south should also bring high returns.William Beetham, chair of the Food and Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence, tells Bryan about the recent work of the organisation and why he's keen to see it continue past the end of its government funding at the end of the year. New Zealand's goal of doubling the value of food exports over the next few decades will rely on attracting and training talent and William says the CoVE's research has revealed the strategies that will help achieve that goal.Federated Farmers Taranaki spokesperson Brendan Attrill gives an update on the drought that's affecting parts of the North Island. He's particularly concerned about contract milkers who are paid directly by processors and says there will need to be constructive and ongoing conversations with farm owners to ensure contractors can get through the year.

William Beetham, chair of the Food and Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence, tells Bryan about the recent work of the organisation and why he's keen to see it continue past the end of its government funding at the end of the year.New Zealand's goal of doubling the value of food exports over the next few decades will rely on attracting and training talent and William says the CoVE's research has revealed the strategies that will help achieve that goal.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie chats about his recent visit to Scion's headquarters in Rotorua, where he caught up with the latest research on both exotic and native trees.He also has the results of the recent Champions of Cheese awards and the inside information on a new wood pellet processing plant in the central North Island.

AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie joins the show to talk about the calf sales in the South Island. Early sales have continued the good prices vendors enjoyed at North Island weaner fairs and she says upcoming sales in the south should also bring high returns.

Federated Farmers Taranaki spokesperson Brendan Attrill gives an update on the drought that's affecting parts of the North Island. He's particularly concerned about contract milkers who are paid directly by processors and says there will need to be constructive and ongoing conversations with farm owners to ensure contractors can get through the year.

In this week's show:Senior reporter Neal Wallace talks us through the The Future of Wool special report. He and Annette Scott spent the last few weeks talking to the major players in the strong wool industry and learned how they plan on returning value to farmers.AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner joins the show to talk about the latest sale yard news. She says drought and access to feed is influencing some buying decisions, but prices are still strong across the country.Visiting Nuffield scholar Wilco Brouwer de Koning tells Bryan about life as a Dutch dairy farmer and says they're facing the same regulatory and market-driven challenges we face in New Zealand. Wilko is researching how a biodiversity credit system might work to reward farmers and says transparency of data is the key to success.Federated Farmers Southland's Dean Rabbidge says whole-farm forestry conversions are still occurring down south and he wants some answers from the government. The Prime Minister told farmers in Gore last year the practice would end, but Dean says there appears to be a loophole.

Visiting Nuffield scholar Wilco Brouwer de Koning tells Bryan about life as a Dutch dairy farmer and says they're facing the same regulatory and market-driven challenges we face in New Zealand.Wilko is researching how a biodiversity credit system might work to reward farmers and says transparency of data is the key to success.

Senior reporter Neal Wallace talks us through the The Future of Wool special report. He and Annette Scott spent the last few weeks talking to the major players in the strong wool industry and learned how they plan on returning value to farmers.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner joins the show to talk about the latest sale yard news. She says drought and access to feed is influencing some buying decisions, but prices are still strong across the country.

Federated Farmers Southland's Dean Rabbidge tells Bryan that whole-farm forestry conversions are still occurring down south and he wants some answers from the government.The Prime Minister told farmers in Gore last year the practice would end, but Dean says there appears to be a loophole.

In this week's show:Senior reporter Richard Rennie talks us through the changes to the Public Works Act, which will give more compensation to the owners of land taken by the government for infrastructure projects, but also reduces the avenues available to challenge the decision.AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad joins the show to look at the high lamb prices. She unpacks the reasons for the lift, whether it's sustainable and has some advice for sheep farmers as the year progresses.AgriZero chief executive Wayne McNee talks to Bryan at the Wānaka Show about their new investments in emissions reduction technologies. He also gives his thoughts on the backlash AgriZero faces from some quarters by those questioning the need to invest in greenhouse gas reduction.Federated Farmers Southland president Jason Herrick tells Bryan why he's asking hunters to buy their licences from outside the region this duck shooting season.

AgriZero chief executive Wayne McNee talks to Bryan at the Wānaka Show about their new investments in emissions reduction technologies. He also gives his thoughts on the backlash AgriZero faces from some quarters by those questioning the need to invest in greenhouse gas reduction.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie talks us through the changes to the Public Works Act, which will give more compensation to the owners of land taken by the government for infrastructure projects, but also reduces the avenues available to challenge the decision.

AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad joins the show to look at the high lamb prices. She unpacks the reasons for the lift, whether it's sustainable and has some advice for sheep farmers as the year progresses.

Federated Farmers Southland president Jason Herrick tells Bryan why he's asking hunters to buy their licences from outside the region this duck shooting season.

In this week's show:Senior reporter Richard Rennie reports on his recent trip to Tairāwhiti, where he caught up with some of the forestry companies working to ensure the next storm that hits the region doesn't cause the same damage as Cyclone Gabrielle.Things are looking up for sheep and beef farmers, the B+LNZ midseason update is forecasting a strong return to profitability for the sector. Bryan talks to chair Kate Acland and Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay about the year ahead for meat exporters.Federated Farmers banking spokesperson Richard McIntyre delves into the complexities of rural banking practices in New Zealand, discussing the implications of banks' decisions on local businesses. They explore the balance between environmental responsibility and the need for financial institutions to support local economies. They also debate whether “woke” is a useful term to use when trying to discuss complex issues.

Things are looking up for sheep and beef farmers, the B+LNZ midseason update is forecasting a strong return to profitability for the sector. Bryan talks to chair Kate Acland, who shares insights on market dynamics, challenges posed by tariffs, and the impact of input costs on farmers' profitability.They also discuss the future of sheep farming, regulatory concerns, and the importance of farmer confidence in the sector.

Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay joins the show to discuss the positive trends in profitability for sheep and beef farms in New Zealand after years of struggle. He emphasises the importance of reducing regulatory burdens and ensuring market access through trade agreements.McClay also addresses the uncertainties in global trade and their potential impacts on NZ's agricultural exports.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie reports on his recent trip to Tairāwhiti, where he caught up with some of the forestry companies working to ensure the next storm that hits the region doesn't cause the same damage as Cyclone Gabrielle.

This week, Bryan chats with Federated Farmers banking spokesperson Richard McIntyre, who delves into the complexities of rural banking practices in New Zealand, discussing the implications of banks' decisions on local businesses. They explore the balance between environmental responsibility and the need for financial institutions to support local economies. They also debate whether “woke” is a useful term to use when trying to discuss complex issues.

In this week's show:Senior reporter Neal Wallace reports on a new auction system for strong wool that is modelled on the Global Dairy Trade system. He tells Bryan its backers say it will provide a better way to trade fibre and should lead to more value being created for farmers.The New Zealand Meat Board flies under the radar a little bit but it does one of the most significant jobs in the food and fibre sector – managing the quotas for red meat exports. Chief executive Nick Beeby joins the show to lift the lid on the process.AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner previews the beef weaner fairs and calf sales that are getting underway. She says everything is pointing to a bumper set of sales and there should be great returns for vendors.Federated Farmers vice-president Colin Hurst unpacks the new funding announced for the QEII Trust, which was facing the prospect of being unable to register new landholdings. He says the funding boost is great news for farmers and for conservation efforts.

The New Zealand Meat Board flies under the radar a little bit but it does one of the most significant jobs in the food and fibre sector – managing the quotas for red meat exports. Chief executive Nick Beeby joins Bryan to lift the lid on the process.

Senior reporter Neal Wallace reports on a new auction system for strong wool that is modelled on the Global Dairy Trade system. Its backers say it will provide a better way to trade fibre and should lead to more value being created for farmers.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner previews the beef weaner fairs and calf sales that are getting under way. She says everything is pointing to a bumper set of sales and there should be great returns for vendors.

Federated Farmers vice-president Colin Hurst joins the show to talk about the new funding announced for the QEII Trust, which was facing the prospect of being unable to register new landholdings. The funding boost is great news for farmers and for conservation efforts, says Colin.

In this week's show:Fonterra's head of sustainability Charlotte Rutherford joins the show to talk about the new incentives the co-op has added to its Co-operative Difference programme that would see farmers rewarded for reducing their emissions. Two of the three incentives are funded by big Fonterra customers Mars and Nestlè.Senior reporter Richard Rennie is in Brisbane at the evokeAg conference. He says the food industry is being warned that weight loss drugs like Ozempic could substantially reshape eating habits with major consequences.AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie gives an update on the happenings at the saleyards around the country. Dry weather is having an impact in some regions with stock moving from west to east in the North Island. Ewe fairs continue around NZ and prices have dropped back a bit after a strong start.Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford talks us through their latest rural confidence survey, which saw a big improvement. Wayne says a reduced regulatory burden, good farmgate returns and lower interest rates are the cause.

Fonterra's head of sustainability Charlotte Rutherford joins the show to talk about the new incentives the co-op has added to its Co-operative Difference programme that would see farmers rewarded for reducing their emissions. Two of the three incentives are funded by big Fonterra customers Mars and Nestlè.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie is in Brisbane at the evokeAg conference. He tells Bryan that the food industry is being warned that weight loss drugs like Ozempic could substantially reshape eating habits with major consequences.

AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie updates Bryan on the happenings at the saleyards around the country.Dry weather is having an impact in some regions with stock moving from west to east in the North Island. Ewe fairs continue around NZ and prices have dropped back a bit after a strong start.

Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford talks us through their latest rural confidence survey, which saw a big improvement. Wayne says a reduced regulatory burden, good farmgate returns and lower interest rates are the cause.

February 15 marks National Lamb Day, so this week Bryan talks with Ag Proud co-ordinator Jon Pemberton about what's in store for the big day, and why celebrating the first shipment of meat from NZ is a big deal.Senior reporter Neal Wallace talks us through the beef with banks – NZ First has drafted a Members' Bill that would stop large emitters being debanked. And, AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner joins the show to discuss the week that was down at the saleyards.Federated Farmers Local Government spokesperson Sandra Faulker joins the show to outline their seven point plan to reform local government. It includes redirecting funds from central to local government and a clear directive on what money should be spent on.

Tomorrow is National Lamb Day, so this week Bryan talks with Ag Proud co-ordinator Jon Pemberton about what's in store for the big day, and why celebrating the first shipment of meat from NZ is a big deal.

Senior reporter Neal Wallace talks us through the beef with banks – NZ First has drafted a Members' Bill that would stop large emitters being debanked.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner joins the show to discuss the week that was down at the saleyards.

Federated Farmers Local Government spokesperson Sandra Faulker joins the show to outline their seven point plan to reform local government. It includes redirecting funds from central to local government and a clear directive on what money should be spent on.