Farmers Weekly In Focus

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.

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.