Farmers Weekly In Focus

(00:00:00) Full Show | June 19 (00:01:33) Tight supply, strong demand for store lambs (00:07:30) Why PF Olsen and Forest 360 became Stand (00:19:23) What Federated Farmers wants from the next government This week's Farmers Weekly podcast dives into the strong store lamb market, with AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner explaining why buyers are still chasing limited numbers and paying top dollar. We also delve into a major development in forestry, with Stand CEO Dan Gaddum discussing the merger of PF Olsen and Forest 360 and what it means for the sector. Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford rounds things out with the organisation's wishlist for the next government to help farming prosper.

Big forestry companies PF Olsen and Forest 360 have merged to form Stand – a new forest management outfit. CEO Dan Gaddum joins Bryan to discuss why the merger occurred, what the company's future looks like, and the state of the sector.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner says store lamb prices remain strong despite lower yarding volumes, with vendors benefiting as buyers compete to fill paddocks and capitalise on this year's record-high lamb schedules.

Federated Farmers' president Wayne Langford goes over the organisation's five-point plan for the next government, which highlights reforms he says will help farming flourish. They include lowering the cost of production, investing in infrastructure, and helping the next generation of farmers.

(00:00:00) Full Show | June 12 (00:00:47) Fieldays through a student's eyes (00:05:11) Quality cattle on offer at bull sales (00:13:00) Emissions reduction tools hit the accelerator (00:16:22) Feds celebrates QEII funds In this week's episode, student ambassador Harriet Johnston shares her first impressions from Fieldays and what caught her eye. AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner reviews the early bull sales season, where quality cattle, strong averages and full clearances have been standout features. AgriZeroNZ chief executive Wayne McNee chats about a new fund aimed at accelerating the uptake of emissions reduction tools on farms. Plus, Federated Farmers' Brent Mountford welcomes a government funding boost for the QEII Trust to help protect native biodiversity on New Zealand farms.

Bryan catches up with Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, about the new fund to help get emissions reduction tools into the hands of farmers. Wayne explains how the funding will work, and who might apply for it.

Farmers Weekly student ambassador Harriet Johnston reflects on the first day of Fieldays. The Lincoln University student is one of four student ambassadors who accompany Farmers Weekly to the big events in farming.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner wraps up the early bull sales, highlighting the quality of cattle on offer. Averages have been good and full clearances a feature.

Federated Farmers' Bay of Plenty president Brent Mountford is over the moon after the government pledged to double the money the QEII trust uses to protect native plantings on New Zealand farms.

(00:00:00) Full Show | June 5 (00:01:56) Opportunities on the menu in Thailand (00:06:50) AgriHQ Insight | Can sheepmeat returns hold at record highs? (00:14:09) Rural real estate market finds momentum (00:31:59) Feds new Taranaki president focused on reform In this week's Farmers Weekly podcast, Neal Wallace reports from Thailand after attending one of Asia's largest food fairs, highlighting growing opportunities for New Zealand exporters in a nation of more than 50 million consumers.AgriHQ analyst Mel Croad examines whether record sheepmeat returns can be sustained as strong global demand continues to support lamb and mutton prices.Senior reporter Richard Rennie explores renewed momentum in the rural real estate market, including the return of dairy conversions with a different approach to past booms.Federated Farmers' new Taranaki president Nick Brown discusses local government reform and its implications for farmers.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie talks with Duncan Ross of Bayleys about the resurgent real estate market. He highlights the return of dairy conversions, but says the strategy is different from previous booms.

Senior reporter Neal Wallace has just returned from Thailand, where he soaked in the food culture and attended one of the largest food fairs in the region. He says the nation of more than 50 million people holds many opportunities for NZ exporters.

AgriHQ analyst Mel Croad talks lamb and mutton this week, outlining the factors contributing to record farmgate returns. Export markets are maintaining demand at these high prices so far, but the next few months will be crucial to watch to get a gauge on whether those returns will be sustainable.

Federated Farmers' Taranaki president Nick Brown talks with Bryan about the big issues on the agenda on the coast, with local government reform at the top of the pile.

In this episode, AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington reflects on the recent Out the Gate conference and strong long-term beef and lamb price forecasts. Jacinta FitzGerald discusses plans to unlock more value from New Zealand's fibre industry, while Federated Farmers' Richard Dawkins welcomes new funding for wilding pine control.

Enough fibre to fill 6600 shipping containers is produced by New Zealand every year, much of it exported as unprocessed product with its value-added potential unrealised, CEO of Fashion and Textiles NZ Jacinta FitzGerald outlines a new strategy to change that.

AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington reflects on the recent Out the Gate conference in Christchurch. She says Australian analyst Simon Quilty's prediction of sustained high farmgate prices for beef and lamb aligns with AgriHQ's own modelling.

Federated Farmers' pest spokesperson Richard Dawkins is celebrating new funding for wilding pine control. The government will invest an additional $79 million over the next three years to tackle wilding pines, taking the total commitment to $109m.

(00:00:00) Full Show | May 22 (00:01:37) Store lamb markets react to winter contracts (00:06:25) Kells wool staying put in Hawke's Bay (00:12:41) Costar takes on top job in Auckland In this episode, AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie explains how strong winter contracts from processors are lifting store lamb prices, with recent sales in Feilding, Hastings and Temuka all seeing gains. Bryan talks with Hawke's Bay wool broker Richard Kells about why he's kept his locally owned business based in the bay for the past 40 years despite competition from larger industry players. Federated Farmers' new Auckland region president Rosemarie Costar discusses her farming background, her priorities in the role and how her local government experience helps her understand the key issues facing farmers.

Buyers are backing Hawke's Bay-based wool broker Kells Wool as the locally owned business stands its ground against bigger industry players. Founder and company director Richard Kells has based the business in Hawke's Bay for the past 40 years and tells Bryan why he decided to stay put in the bay.

AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie says that store lamb prices have risen on the back of some lucrative winter contracts being offered by processors. Recent sales in Feilding, Hastings and Temuka have all seen prices rise.

Federated Farmers' new Auckland region president Rosemarie Costar joins the show to discuss her background in farming and what her priorities are as she takes on the role. With experience in local government to call on, Rosemarie says she has a good understanding of the big issues from both sides of the bargaining table.

(00:00:00) Full Show | May 15 (00:01:47) How regional conditions are shaping livestock sales (00:07:19) China gives us a reminder of its importance (00:29:08) Government given a nudge on freshwater reform In this episode, AgriHQ analyst Suz Bremner explains how varying regional conditions are influencing livestock sales, with farmers balancing feed supplies and stock numbers ahead of winter, affecting saleyard prices and throughput. Richard Rennie discusses China's importance to New Zealand with businessman David Mahon, highlighting trade relationships and future considerations. Federated Farmers' Colin Hurst urges the government to speed up freshwater reform, warning farmers remain concerned Labour-era regulations could persist approaching the election

Senior reporter Richard Rennie chats with Beijing resident and businessman David Mahon about our relationship with China, how it may have changed in recent months, and what we need to consider if we're to continue the valuable partnership.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner, like many farmers across Aotearoa, is preparing for winter. Feed levels and stock numbers are shaping saleyard prices and throughput, with conditions varying by region.

Federated Farmers' freshwater spokesperson Colin Hurst is giving the government a hurry up, with progress on its freshwater programme still slow six months out from the election.

(00:00:00) Full Show | May 8 (00:01:34) Processing slowdown drives high-value livestock deals (00:15:15) Proposed drone reforms raise safety concerns in rural sector (00:29:24) Feds' new Southland president tackles local government reform This week on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad discusses slowing processing volumes and the high-value livestock contracts emerging across the market. Fenix UAS managing director Andrew Shelley raises concerns about proposed drone regulation changes and what they could mean for rural safety. Federated Farmers' new Southland president Chris Dillon outlines his priorities for the role, including local government reform and taking a more collaborative approach to regulation that better supports farmers and rural communities.

Managing director of Fenix UAS Andrew Shelley weighs in on proposed changes to the regulations that govern drone use. He says while there's a case to be made for relaxing them in some instances, he's concerned that the proposals might remove safeguards that protect farmers and pilots.

AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad wraps up the latest news in the livestock markets, reporting that processing volumes are dropping off, resulting in some high value contracts being offered. While the war in the Middle East is affecting input prices, supply chains are holding strong.

Federated Farmers' new Southland president Chris Dillon says council consolidation is high on the agenda as he takes the top job. Dillon says he's hoping to adopt a more collaborative approach to regulatory change that works better for farmers.

(00:00:00) Full Show | May 1 (00:01:30) Australian beef prices take a hit (00:06:40) A farming legacy: PGG Wrightson marks 175 years (00:16:12) New Waikato Feds president's game plan This week on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we cover key developments shaping the rural sector on both sides of the Tasman. AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington joins us to break down falling Australian beef prices, driven by dry conditions and increased supply, and what looming China quota tariffs could mean for exports. PGG Wrightson chief executive Stephen Guerin reflects on the company's 175-year legacy and its roots in New Zealand farming history. Plus, Federated Farmers Waikato president Chris Woolerton shares his plans for the role and his commitment to reconnecting with farmers on the ground to better represent their voices.

AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington joins the show to discuss the state of the Australian livestock markets, highlighting a drop in farmgate beef prices after dry weather saw stock surge to the processor.

PGG Wrightson chief executive Stephen Guerin joins the show to talk about the company's 175th anniversary, which is being marked on May 1. George Gould launched Christchurch's first general store in May, 1851, beginning a long legacy of farm supply businesses that all contributed to the PGG Wrightson we know today.

Federated Farmers' new Waikato president Chris Woolerton discusses how he'll approach his new role, his life in farming, and previous governance roles.

(00:00:00) Full Show | April 24 (00:01:24) Weaner prices ease back in the north (00:06:13) Should I use this tech? An Aussie farmer's rules for adoption (00:14:47) Farm staff pay levels off a little In this week's podcast: AgriHQ's Fiona Quarrie breaks down softer weaner prices in the north as feed shortages hit demand. NSW farmer Mark Mortimer shares his three rules for adopting on-farm tech, from EID to automation. Federated Farmers' Karl Dean discusses new survey results showing farm staff wages levelling off after recent growth.

New South Wales sheep farmer Mark Mortimer told the AgInnovation conferences the three boxes he needs to tick before adopting any new technology on-farm. Mark has been at the forefront of tech adoption and knowledge transfer in Australia, with insights on everything from EID tagging to automated feed systems.

AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie joins the show for an update on weaner fairs, which have seen young cattle values drop back a little since the beginning of the season.

Federated Farmers' Karl Dean has the results of the latest Federated Farmers/Rabobank Remuneration Survey, which shows modest gains for farm workers across farming types.

In this week's podcast: senior reporters Neal Wallace and Richard Rennie unpack forestry's impact on rural communities, while AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington outlines strong store lamb demand and margins. Federated Farmers Otago president Luke Kane also joins to discuss his recent environmental award win.

Senior reporters Neal Wallace and Richard Rennie join the show to discuss the new Farmers Weekly special report, The Rural Cost of Forestry Conversion, which looks at the growth of exotic forestry in the high country. They've talked to concerned farmers, forestry companies and academics who have studied the impact forestry has had on several communities.

AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington gives an update on the store lamb market. She says strong store lamb demand, driven by rain and tight supply, should deliver good margins when lambs go to processing.

Federated Farmers Otago president Luke Kane joins the show to discuss his recent win in the Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards. He and wife Nicole continue a fine tradition for Feds members in the south, with the Kane's being the seventh winner in the past 20 years.

(00:00:00) Full Show | April 10 (00:01:33) Young cattle demand drives market surge (00:07:35) Hurrell looks back as Fonterra eyes future growth (00:23:35) Dog law investigation underway In this week's episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, AgriHQ analyst Suz Bremner discusses the strong demand for young cattle is driving record prices and buyer confidence. Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell reflects on the co-op's performance and future direction ahead of his departure. And Federated Farmers' Colin Hannah highlights the need for farmer input into dog law reforms to protect livestock and working dogs.

Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell joins the show to reflect on the co-op's interim result, the Lactalis sale, and on his term at the top. Hurrell has signaled he will step down soon and says the co-op is primed for its next phase.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner says the South Island calf sales are following a similar trend to the weaner sales in the north, with record prices being paid.

Colin Hannah of Federated Farmers in Northland says the investigation into our current laws around dog ownership need input from the farming community. Feral and unmanaged dogs pose a risk to people and livestock, and Colin says any law changes need to take account of how working dogs are managed.

This week's podcast covers Silver Fern Farms' return to profit and growing calls for an inquiry into vegetable processing closures and food resilience, featuring senior reporter Neal Wallace and Green Party ag spokesperson Steve Abel.

Green Party agriculture spokesperson Steve Abel discusses his call for an inquiry into McCain and Heinz Wattie's closures, highlighting concerns over food resilience and local production.

Senior reporter Neal Wallace discusses Silver Fern Farms' annual result, which reveals a turn to profitability after a loss last year.

(00:00:00) Full Show | March 27 (00:02:09) Aussie farmers up against global forces (00:07:10) Uncertain future for vegetable and grain growers (00:15:40) Foreign investors back in the game (00:25:31) Feds submits to Health and Safety Amendment Bill This week on Farmers Weekly Podcast, we unpack the mounting global and local pressures shaping agriculture. AgriHQ's Alex Coddington breaks down turmoil in Australia's red meat sector following a controversial EU trade deal, while Central Hawke's Bay mayor Will Foley raises alarm over the future of NZ vegetable and grain production after major processing pullbacks. We also explore renewed interest from foreign investors in New Zealand's primary industries with Findex's Hayden Dillon, and Federated Farmers weighs in on proposed health and safety law changes impacting the sector.

Central Hawke's Bay mayor Will Foley says he's deeply disappointed by recent moves from McCain and Heinz-Wattie's to scale back or halt vegetable processing in New Zealand. With around 9,000 hectares of production in the region, Foley believes it may be time for a broader conversation about how the country's food industry is structured.