Farmers Weekly In Focus

This week on The Farmers Weekly Podcast: Richard Rennie reports from China on Fonterra, Zespri and trade trends; Beef + Lamb NZ's Alan Thomson on global climate talks; and Federated Farmers' Brendan Attrill on new share farming workshops. Plus — could US sheep farmers drag Trump into a lamb tariff fight?News Wrap | China Check-In: Fonterra's future and Zespri's kiwifruit crackdown1:44 – Senior reporter Richard Rennie wraps up his recent visit to China, where he attended one of the biggest trade shows on earth and visited Fonterra's innovation centre in Shanghai. He also headed west to see how Zespri is dealing with the thousands of hectares of illegal Sungold kiwifruit being grown.Feature | NZ's ag strategy: the split-gas initiative explained16:05 – Beef + Lamb NZ chief executive Alan Thomson tells Bryan about how a group of red meat producers reached agreement on a campaign pushing for a split-gas approach to be adopted globally. He says while it is accepted here, that's not the case in other countries.Feds Focus | Workshops for share farmers and contractors28:37 – Federated Farmers share farming chair Brendan Attrill outlines what to expect at the series of workshops Feds is running on getting the best out of share farming and contracting. The workshops are being held over the coming weeks around the country.The Final Word36:30 – American sheep farmers have taken aim at our sector, asking the Trump administration to increase tariffs on the lamb we sell there. At first glance one would think Trump doesn't have time for what is, in the scheme of things, a small quibble. But with US farmers doing it tough and sky-high prices at the checkout, is the president about to turn his attention to agriculture?

Beef + Lamb NZ chief executive Alan Thomson tells Bryan about how a group of red meat producers reached agreement on a campaign pushing for a split-gas approach to be adopted globally. He says while it is accepted here, that's not the case in other countries.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie wraps up his recent visit to China, where he attended one of the biggest trade shows on earth and visited Fonterra's innovation centre in Shanghai. He also headed west to see how Zespri is dealing with the thousands of hectares of illegal Sungold kiwifruit being grown.

Federated Farmers share farming chair Brendan Attrill outlines what to expect at the series of workshops Feds is running on getting the best out of share farming and contracting. The workshops are being held over the coming weeks around the country.

(00:00:00) Full Show | November 7 (00:01:29) Navigating the Busy Store Cattle Market (00:06:39) High Peak Brothers Explore Farming in Argentina (00:19:39) Eradicating TB: Lessons from New Zealand's Past (00:25:51) The Final Word In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, High Peak's Simon and Hamish Guild share lessons from Argentina, while Feds' Karl Dean discusses the new bovine TB plan and AgriHQ's Fiona Quarrie reports on cattle sales.Market Insights | Navigating the Busy Store Cattle Market1:30 – AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie reports on the recent cattle sales at Matawhero, Stortford Lodge and Feilding, where large numbers of cattle have been sold as eastern regions dry out. Fiona says there's more to come, and while prices have been back on recent months, there's still good value for vendors.Feature | High Peak Brothers Explore Farming in Argentina6:40 – Bryan catches up with Simon and Hamish Guild of High Peak Station, who have just returned from a study tour of Argentina made possible by their win in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards. They say there's a lot to admire about the way Argentinians grow and eat red meat.Feds Focus | Eradicating TB: Lessons from New Zealand's Past19:40 – Federated Farmers biosecurity spokesperson Karl Dean says the new plan to eradicate bovine TB is good in theory, but farmers have bad memories of previous attempts to stamp it out, and this time it needs to be enacted with care and communication. The Final Word25:52 – Rural sports are a big deal in places like the United States, as Jack Jordan's recent woodchopping world championship win showed. But it's the next generation that could discover a passion for food production through events like the recent Clash of the Colleges that really shows us that rural sports are more than just a game.

Bryan catches up with Simon and Hamish Guild of High Peak Station, who have just returned from a study tour of Argentina made possible by their win in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards. They say there's a lot to admire about the way Argentinians grow and eat red meat.

AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie reports on the recent cattle sales at Matawhero, Stortford Lodge and Feilding, where large numbers of cattle have been sold as eastern regions dry out. Fiona says there's more to come, and while prices have been back on recent months, there's still good value for vendors.

Federated Farmers biosecurity spokesperson Karl Dean says the new plan to eradicate bovine TB is good in theory, but farmers have bad memories of previous attempts to stamp it out, and this time it needs to be enacted with care and communication.

In this episode, we dive into the latest developments across New Zealand's agricultural sector.Alex Coddington from AgriHQ provides an update on the lamb and cattle markets, highlighting how weather conditions are affecting livestock prices and availability, while Farmlands chief executive Tanya Houghton discusses the co-operative's turnaround, posting a net profit of $2.8 million for FY25 after a prior loss.  Lincoln University's Dr Nic Lees also joins the studio to explore the implications of Fonterra's $3.2 billion windfall from the sale of its consumer brands, and Federated Farmers vice president Colin Hurst addresses the complexities of agricultural regulations and RMA reform. Market Insights | Store stock demand top dollar at saleyards1:38 – Alex Coddington from AgriHQ discusses the current state of the lamb and cattle markets, highlighting the impact of weather conditions on livestock pricing and availability. She talks us through the softer lamb market in Hawke's Bay, the effects of local buying power, and the strong demand in the cattle market, indicating a seller's market with high confidence in beef prices.Feature | Farmlands: strategic improvements and market sentiment6:48 – Farmlands chief executive Tanya Houghton discusses the co-operative's annual result, which saw it post a net profit after tax of $2.8 million for the 2025 financial year – up from a loss of $9.3m (restated) in FY24. She says a refreshed strategy and the acquisition of nutrition manufacturer Seales Winslow helped turn things around.Feature | Navigating Fonterra's $3.2 billion windfall18:34 – Lincoln University's Dr Nic Lees unpacks Fonterra's $3.2b windfall from the sale of its consumer brands, exploring how farmers can invest wisely for long-term resilience, efficiency, and sustainability in the dairy sector.He talks about potential investment strategies for farmers, including the risks associated with increased production, and Fonterra's competitive advantages in the market.Feds Focus | Survey shows consent process frustrating farmers29:11 – Federated Farmers vice president Colin Hurst discusses the complexities and costs associated with agricultural regulations. With the RMA currently being reformed by the government, Colin says all consents should be rolled over, rather than forcing farmers to renew them under the outgoing regulatory regime.The Final Word35:12 – The arable sector is at the heart of farming in NZ, but is still struggling to conquer the market here. At least 75% of the bread sold in NZ is made with imported grain, something the industry is keen to rectify through the newly launched New Zealand Grown Grains Mark. Early signs are that it might prove a success.

Lincoln University's Dr Nic Lees unpacks Fonterra's $3.2b windfall from the sale of its consumer brands, exploring how farmers can invest wisely for long-term resilience, efficiency, and sustainability in the dairy sector.He unpacks potential investment strategies for farmers, including the risks associated with increased production, and Fonterra's competitive advantages in the market.

Farmlands chief executive Tanya Houghton discusses the co-operative's annual result, which saw it post a net profit after tax of $2.8 million for the 2025 financial year – up from a loss of $9.3m (restated) in FY24. She says a refreshed strategy and the acquisition of nutrition manufacturer Seales Winslow helped turn things around.

Alex Coddington from AgriHQ discusses the current state of the lamb and cattle markets, highlighting the impact of weather conditions on livestock pricing and availability. She talks us through the softer lamb market in Hawke's Bay, the effects of local buying power, and the strong demand in the cattle market, indicating a seller's market with high confidence in beef prices.

Federated Farmers vice president Colin Hurst discusses the complexities and costs associated with agricultural regulations. With the RMA currently being reformed by the government, Colin says all consents should be rolled over, rather than forcing farmers to renew them under the outgoing regulatory regime.

In this episode, Richard Rennie previews his trip to China's markets, Professor Ralph Sims unpacks NZ's methane targets, and Feds' Sandra Faulkner marks a milestone in farmer representation.News Wrap | Meeting the Market: A return to China1:38 – Senior reporter Richard Rennie outlines his upcoming visit to China, where he will attend one of the world's biggest food fairs in China, before heading east to the Sichuan province in Western China to see how Zespri is engaging with those growing its SunGold variety of kiwifruit.Feature | Weighing the impact NZ's new methane targets8:02 – Bryan chats with Professor Emeritus Ralph Sims of Massey University about the recently reduced methane reduction targets announced by the government. Sims has helped produce a number of International Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports and says the new targets will not go down well with the international community.Feds Focus | More farmers around the council tableFederated Farmers local government spokesperson 25:22 – Sandra Faulkner is celebrating news that 69 Feds members have been elected to local bodies around New Zealand. She says farmers and growers are well-suited to local governance as they bring experience from both rural communities and the business world.The Final Word30:32 – Europe's crackdown on nitrate and ammonia pollution from farming could be a sign of things to come here. Food production has exceeded environmental limits in some nations there, and it appears politicians are convinced it is electorally advantageous to turn that around.

Bryan chats with Professor Emeritus Ralph Sims of Massey University about the recently reduced methane reduction targets announced by the government. Sims has helped produce a number of International Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports and says the new targets will not go down well with the international community.

Federated Farmers local government spokesperson Sandra Faulkner is celebrating news that 69 Feds members have been elected to local bodies around New Zealand. She says farmers and growers are well-suited to local governance as they bring experience from both rural communities and the business world.

(00:00:00) Full Show | October 17 (00:01:33) Navigating the future of dairy in the Netherlands (00:09:39) Stortford Lodge welcomes new season lambs (00:15:32) Arable code of conduct on the way (00:23:14) The Final Word In this week's Farmers Weekly Podcast we discuss key issues in New Zealand's food and fibre sector. The episode features insights from Neal Wallace on dairy farming innovations in the Netherlands, challenges faced by Dutch farmers, and the impact of weight loss drugs on food consumption.Suz Bremner also provides an update on the livestock market, particularly the new season lambs, while David Birkett discusses a new code of conduct for the arable sector aimed at preventing disputes. The episode concludes with reflections on New Zealand's climate targets and sustainability efforts. News Wrap | Navigating the future of dairy in the Netherlands  1:35 – Senior reporter Neal Wallace, who is on a Meeting the Market tour, shares insights from his recent visit to the Netherlands, focusing on dairy farming practices, the political landscape surrounding nutrition, and the challenges faced by farmers due to government policies and technological advancements. He tells Bryan the impact of weight loss drugs on food consumption and the evolving preferences for high-quality protein in diets. Market Insights | Stortford Lodge welcomes new season lambs  9:40 – AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner was at the big sale at Stortford, where the first crop of new season lambs hit the pens. She says vendors left very happy, with last season's sky-high prices carrying over into this new season.Feds Focus | Arable code of conduct on the way  15:33 – Federated Farmers arable chair David Birkett gives an update on the new arable code of conduct, which has been developed to give growers and buyers more certainty around dispute resolution. David says the code will lay out who is responsible for each aspect of the process from planting, growing, and harvesting through to storage.  The Final Word23:15 – The reduction of New Zealand's methane targets was celebrated by the farming sector, but will the world see it as a win? The reduced targets, a product of the concept of “no additional warming” might be viewed as a lack of ambition by those who buy and consume our food exports.

Senior reporter Neal Wallace, who is on a Meeting the Market tour, shares insights from his recent visit to the Netherlands, focusing on dairy farming practices, the political landscape surrounding nutrition, and the challenges faced by farmers due to government policies and technological advancements. He tells Bryan about the impact of weight loss drugs on food consumption and the evolving preferences for high-quality protein in diets.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner was at the big sale at Stortford, where the first crop of new season lambs hit the pens. She says vendors left very happy, with last season's sky-high prices carrying over into this new season.

Federated Farmers arable chair David Birkett updates Bryan on the new arable code of conduct, which has been developed to give growers and buyers more certainty around dispute resolution. David says the code will lay out who is responsible for each aspect of the process from planting, growing, and harvesting through to storage.

In this episode, Neal Wallace reports from Europe on trade tensions, regenerative farming and the Anuga Food Fair. Back home, AgriHQ's Fiona Quarrie covers booming yearling sales, while Gallagher's Mark Maitland discusses the surge in farmers adopting tech to boost efficiency and meet regulatory demands.News Wrap | Meeting the Market – Stockton to Cologne1:30 – Senior reporter Neal Wallace, who is on a Meeting the Market tour, checks in from Brussels, where he's been meeting up with European Union officials to hear how they're dealing with the challenges of war in Ukraine and the US trade war. He also talks about regenerative farming in Stockton, Illinois and the Anuga food Fair in Cologne, Germany.Market Insights | Young cattle fetching top dollar in the south8:34 – AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie is in the South Island and the big news is the yearling cattle sales, which are going great guns as buyers vie for stock.Feature | NZ primed for a tech transformation13:50 – Mark Maitland of Gallagher Animal Management joins the show to talk about the uptick in enquiries he's seeing from farmers looking to utilise technology on-farm. He says high farmgate returns, regulatory requirements and farm diversification are all driving farmers to find out how technology can help them create more value and save time.Feds Focus | Boy racer legislation needs more grunt26:37 – Federated Farmers police spokesperson Karl Dean says while he's behind the tougher stance on boy racers, he's keen to see farmer interests protected, with issues like animal welfare on farm thefts included.The Final Word31:35 – The Police have submitted to public pressure and withdrawn a plan to reduce staffing numbers in Canterbury. While budget pressures are a reality for them, moving police from country to city is no way to make ends meet. Law and order is built on a foundation of agreement between citizens and the state, and the backdown shows the citizens still have sway.

Mark Maitland of Gallagher Animal Management joins the show to talk about the uptick in enquiries he's seeing from farmers looking to utilise technology on-farm. He says high farmgate returns, regulatory requirements and farm diversification are all driving farmers to find out how technology can help them create more value and save time.

Senior reporter Neal Wallace, who is on a Meeting the Market tour, checks in from Brussels, where he's been meeting up with European Union officials to hear how they're dealing with the challenges of war in Ukraine and the US trade war. He also talks about regenerative farming in Stockton, Illinois and the Anuga food Fair in Cologne, Germany.

AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie is in the South Island and the big news is the yearling cattle sales, which are going great guns as buyers vie for stock.

Federated Farmers police spokesperson Karl Dean says while he's behind the tougher stance on boy racers, he's keen to see farmer interests protected, with issues like animal welfare on farm thefts included.

With two feature guests this week, this episode discusses into issues in New Zealand's food and fibre sector, including the proposed Dawn Meat deal by Alliance Group, the celebration of 100 years of Rural Women New Zealand, and the ongoing connectivity challenges faced by rural communities. Feature | Alliance's Next Move: Insights from Farmer Meetings1:39 – Alliance Group chair Mark Wynne joins Bryan to discuss how farmers are reacting to the proposed investment by Dawn Meats. He's been fronting a series of farmer meetings and says there have been some insightful questions asked.Feature | 100 Years of Empowering Rural Women13:53 – Rural Women NZ chief executive Sandra Matthews tells Bryan how the 100-year celebrations are going for the organisation. She says it's a year of both looking back with pride, while ensuring they're primed to take on the years ahead.Feds Focus | Rural Connectivity Shows No improvement27.24 – Federated Farmers telecommunications spokesperson Mark Hooper reveals the findings of the latest rural connectivity survey, which shows internet access hasn't improved in rural areas, and some are reporting that it is getting worse.The Final Word35:55 – Synlait's annual results show that the milk processor is back on track, with a proposed sale of its North Island operations imminent. But, like Fonterra, Synlait has slimmed down its strategy and discarded some projects. Have NZ processors realised they can't do everything and should stay out of some parts of the supply chain?

Alliance Group chair Mark Wynne joins Bryan to discuss how farmers are reacting to the proposed investment by Dawn Meats. He's been fronting a series of farmer meetings and says there have been some insightful questions asked.

Rural Women NZ chief executive Sandra Matthews tells Bryan how the 100-year celebrations are going for the organisation. She says it's a year of both looking back with pride, while ensuring they're primed to take on the years ahead.

Federated Farmers telecommunications spokesperson Mark Hooper reveals the findings of the latest rural connectivity survey, which shows internet access hasn't improved in rural areas, and some are reporting that it is getting worse.

In this episode:News Wrap | The rise and challenges of Rockit Apples1:25 – Senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses some emerging issues at Rockit Apples. North Island growers are voicing concern about the company's ability to process the growing crop, while in the South Island, a big new planting funded by the NZ Super Fund is under way.Market Insights | Tight margins, big red meat markets7:20 – AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad wraps up the global red meat markets, which are all looking strong. Lamb and mutton prices are still at record highs and the new season is looking good for most.Feds Focus | Nitrate emergency declaration ‘takes aim at farmers' 15:35 – Vice president Colin Hurst isn't a fan of the nitrate emergency declaration, saying it once again vilifies farmers who are already working to improve the state of freshwater in Canterbury.Feature | Nitrate emergency: a call to action in Canterbury24:35 – Outgoing Environment Canterbury councillor Vicky Southworth explains why she brought a notice of motion to declare a nitrate emergency to the council's final meeting of the term. She says reports on groundwater quality are worsening and the incoming council needs to prioritise the issue.The Final Word36:20 – Co-ops have served New Zealand farmers well over the years, but is it time to take a look at our relationship with the model and ask if some tweaks are needed? Some say the inability of our big co-ops to raise funds from shareholders shows that while we're happy to enjoy the value, we're less than impressed when challenges arise.

Outgoing Environment Canterbury councillor Vicky Southworth explains why she brought a notice of motion to declare a nitrate emergency to the council's final meeting of the term. She says reports on groundwater quality are worsening and the incoming council needs to prioritise the issue.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses some emerging issues at Rockit Apples. North Island growers are voicing concern about the company's ability to process the growing crop, while in the South Island, a big new planting funded by the NZ Super Fund is underway.

AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad wraps up the global red meat markets, which are all looking strong. Lamb and mutton prices are still at record highs and the new season is looking good for most.

Vice president Colin Hurst isn't a fan of the nitrate emergency declaration, saying it once again vilifies farmers who are already working to improve the state of freshwater in Canterbury.

In this episode:Market Insights | Lamb season ends on a high1:25 – AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner joins Bryan to wrap up the season, as the last of the lambs hit the market. Farmgate returns are still sky-high and are looking good as new season lambs start to emerge. Some dry weather, particularly in eastern parts of the North Island, appear to be the only challenge at the moment.Feature | Economic trends impacting NZ farmers7:14 – ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley outlines how the changing global economic and political landscape is influencing our food and fibre sector. Exchange rates, trade wars and the continued focus on accounting for climate change are all exerting pressure. But, with farmgate returns strong, now's the time to ensure farm businesses have the resilience to withstand future shocks.Feds Focus | Farmers push back on grazing charges25:14 – Southland president Jason Herrick says farmers are annoyed at being charged for winter grazing monitoring, despite not actually being found at fault. He questions whether the approach by Environment Southland is an effective way to move the dial on improving practices.The Final Word30:41 – A report on the viability of new crop varieties for Northland food production highlights the challenges and the opportunities many regions face as the climate and consumer preferences change. How can we explore new ways to produce food while still ensuring each link in the value chain can thrive?

ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley outlines how the changing global economic and political landscape is influencing our food and fibre sector. Exchange rates, trade wars and the continued focus on accounting for climate change are all exerting pressure. But, with farmgate returns strong, now's the time to ensure farm businesses have the resilience to withstand future shocks.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner joins Bryan to wrap up the season, as the last of the lambs hit the market. Farmgate returns are still sky-high and are looking good as new season lambs start to emerge. Some dry weather, particularly in eastern parts of the North Island, appear to be the only challenge at the moment.

Southland president Jason Herrick says farmers are annoyed at being charged for winter grazing monitoring, despite not actually being found at fault. He questions whether the approach by Environment Southland is an effective way to move the dial on improving practices.

In this episode:News Wrap | Bullish outlook for the red meat sector2:19 – Senior reporter Neal Wallace has been following trends in the red meat sector both at the farmgate and market level. He looks at Beef + Lamb forecasts for the upcoming season and finds a very bullish outlook for the red meat sector. He also unpacks prospects for a new exporting season, and what it means for farm incomes.Market Insight | Livestock EYE on high spring store cattle prices8:15 – Winter's cold grip may remain across much of the country in early September, but spring store cattle prices are running hot. AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie provides a run down on some of the notable prices being fetched through North Island saleyards. With prices passing the $5.50/kg mark, Fiona muses on the possibility sales with a “$6” could become a reality this spring.Feature | Fonterra's bold move: the economics of value add14:11 – Dr Hamish Gow, professor of agribusiness at Lincoln University, talks to Richard about Fonterra's multi-billion dollar exit from its brands business, and what that means for “value add” and returns to shareholders. He pulls apart what true “value add” really is, and how it does not always mean a product must have a brand name on it to achieve it.Feds Focus | Tackling New Zealand's pest problem25:24 – Richard Dawkins, Federated Farmers national chair for meat and wool, outlines why there is a need for an integrated pest management strategy in New Zealand.He says NZ's growing pest burden has an increasingly high cost of control being imposed upon farmers and talks about how Feds would like to see greater co-ordination across all government departments and NGOs to better manage pest numbers and impact.

Dr Hamish Gow, professor of agribusiness at Lincoln University, talks to Richard about Fonterra's multi-billion dollar exit from its brands business, and what that means for “value add” and returns to shareholders. He pulls apart what true “value add” really is, and how it does not always mean a product must have a brand name on it to achieve it.

Senior reporter Neal Wallace has been following trends in the red meat sector both at the farmgate and market level. He looks at Beef + Lamb forecasts for the upcoming season and finds a very bullish outlook for the red meat sector. He also unpacks prospects for a new exporting season, and what it means for farm incomes.

Winter's cold grip may remain across much of the country in early September, but spring store cattle prices are running hot. AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie provides a run down on some of the notable prices being fetched through North Island saleyards. With prices passing the $5.50/kg mark, Fiona muses on the possibility sales with a “$6” could become a reality this spring.

Richard Dawkins, Federated Farmers national chair for meat and wool, outlines why there is a need for an integrated pest management strategy in New Zealand.He says NZ's growing pest burden has an increasingly high cost of control being imposed upon farmers and talks about how Feds would like to see greater co-ordination across all government departments and NGOs to better manage pest numbers and impact.

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.