Podcasts about Federated Farmers

An estimated 15-thousand Southlanders could be drinking water polluted by nitrates according to a new report. The report exposed the increasing contamination in the region's groundwater, which has coincided with a dairy boom. It's prompted a call from Greenpeace for the declaration of a regional nitrate emergency, although Federated Farmers says this is an over-reaction.

His father is the new chief executive of Federated Farmers, but what is Jacob's connection with young farm boys who travelled 19,000km more than 100 years ago to fight for King and Country?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode, senior reporter Neal Wallace covers severe weather impacts and sheep traceability, while AgriHQ's Alex Coddington previews strong demand and high expectations ahead of beef weaner sales. Feature guest Glenn Bewley from Woolworths discusses food security and sustainability, and Federated Farmers' Mark Hooper raises concerns about potential water taxes and infrastructure investment.News Wrap | Flood recovery and the push for sheep traceability1:40 – In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, senior reporter Neal Wallace joins the show to unpack the impact of recent severe weather across New Zealand, including widespread flooding and the challenges farmers are facing on the ground. The discussion also turns to sheep traceability and what it could mean for strengthening biosecurity and accountability within the sector.AgriHQ Insight | Strong buying demand shapes weaner sales9:30 – AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington shares his outlook for the livestock market ahead of the beef weaner sales. Strong schedules, solid buying power and a favourable growing season are setting the scene for high prices. Alex discusses what's driving market confidence – and the risks farmers should consider when making purchasing decisions in a shifting market.Feature | The realities of food security in New Zealand14:13 – Glenn Bewley, Woolworths' merchandise manager for vegetables and horticulture, joins the show to unpack the realities of food security in New Zealand. He discusses the value of strong, direct relationships with growers, the pressures created by extreme weather and urban encroachment, and why sustainability is becoming increasingly critical to the future of fresh produce supply.Feds Focus | Water tax must be ruled out24:30 – Federated Farmers is calling for amendments to the proposed resource management legislation so future governments cannot impose taxes on water. Mark Hooper says while the current government has ruled a water tax out, the legislation leaves the option on the table for those to come.The Final Word | Investment in infrastructure a priority28:57 – Climate scientists say storms like the one we experience this week are the new normal – that while we won't necessarily get more storms, those we do get will be more intense. But are we tackling this challenge with the investment, ambition and actions that will sustain our rural communities?

Federated Farmers is calling for amendments to the proposed resource management legislation so future governments cannot impose taxes on water. Mark Hooper says while the current government has ruled a water tax out, the legislation leaves the option on the table for those to come.

Federated Farmers’ Manawatū President updates on the storm battering his region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers National Board member Mark Hooper joins Taxpayer Talk with Peter Williams to critique the government's "deeply flawed" replacement of the Resource Management Act with the Natural Environment Bill and the Planning Bill.Mark walks Peter through why the new framework fails to deliver a faster, cheaper, better system, arguing that a predicted 46% reduction in consents is insufficient and warning that farmers could face double the red tape through a combination of complex farm plans and discretionary consents.Support the show

Strong cattle demand continues to push prices higher, with a standout Matawhero sale delivering exceptional returns despite East Coast road closures. AgriHQ analyst Suz Bremner explains the impact of weather and tight supply on the market. Blair Rooney from Farm Focus discusses how AI is helping farmers improve financial management through smarter data analysis. Haast farmer Simon Cameron reflects on representing New Zealand at a major global agriculture forum in Berlin, while Federated Farmers raises concerns over generator charges for storm-hit farmers.AgriHQ Insight | Sky-high cattle prices despite East Coast disruptions1:51 – AgriHQ analyst Suz Bremner says the ongoing demand for cattle, particularly in light of recent weather challenges, has led to remarkable pricing trends in the market. A highlight of the week was a consignment of adult cattle sold at Matawhero, with prices sky high despite a change of venue with East Coast roads closed.Feature | How AI can work for your farm finances7:10 – Blair Rooney from Farm Focus discusses the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial management for farmers. He emphasises that AI is not meant to replace human decision-making but to assist in making better and faster decisions. The discussion covers the benefits of AI in analyzing large data sets, the importance of building trust in AI technology, and the future potential of AI in agriculture, particularly in data utilisation and analysis.Feature | Global farming reps meet in Europe19:35 – Haast farmer Simon Cameron recently travelled to the annual Global Forum for Food and Agriculture in Berlin, where he was part of the International Young Farmers' Forum. He shares his experience.Feds Focus | Generator charges hit storm-blown farmers29:15 – Jason Herrick of Federated Farmers Southland says the money being charged for generators during the recent wind storms was exorbitant, and he's asking for a rethink on how aid is delivered to those in need.The Final Word | Innovating with intent35:33 – While many commentators rail against “Frankenfood” and the protein alternatives now on the market, they fail to see the benefits that food technology brings the sector, and to those people who can't afford meat, milk and cheese.

An investment expert says retiring before the age of 70 is increasingly unaffordable, warning many New Zealanders may need to rethink their retirement expectations; Federated Farmers is concerned the Government's proposed RMA reforms could leave the door open to the introduction of a future water tax; Recent severe weather has exposed vulnerabilities in the country's roading network, prompting calls from the New Zealand Shipping Federation for greater investment in coastal shipping as a more resilient freight alternative; The Government has lifted the annual cap on space launches from 100 to 1,000, with Space Operations New Zealand saying the move will support growth in the sector; The Black Foils have repaired their damaged hull after a high-speed collision in Perth, with skipper Blair Tuke looking ahead to the Auckland round of SailGP.

Federated Farmers is calling on the Government to scrap any form of 'water tax' from the proposed RMA replacement bill. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has ruled out this tax, despite it being mentioned in the proposed Resource Management legislation. The Country's Jamie Mackay recapped the situation further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! There's growing calls to regulate blind cords following a toddler's unfortunate death. The Government has ruled out establishing new rules around this - do we agree? Are more safety regulations needed? RMA Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed the Government will not be implementing a 'water tax' following outrage from Federated Farmers. Do we think this is the right move? NZ First's Winston Peters is now campaigning on a referendum on abolishing the Māori seats in Parliament. Do we think this will get votes? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has categorically ruled out implementing a 'water tax' that's mentioned in the proposed Resource Management legislation. Federated Farmers today asked the Government to remove clauses they say give Ministers sweeping powers to tax water as a tool for managing demand. Bishop says it's not that simple, and it's not a policy the current Government is proposing. "There's a provision in there to allow it to be turned on into the future, if the Government did policy work around that, and I can tell you that we're not doing a policy work on our water tax." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The President of Federated Farmers addresses rumours he is considering a career in national (or should that be Labour?) politics. Plus, we also look at the controversial RMA reforms (is there a water tax in there?) and the submission process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00) Full Show | 5 February (00:01:55) Can red meat farmers bank on record prices? (00:13:30) Inside the challenges facing NZ's specialty cheese sector (00:25:07) Canterbury crops under pressure after soggy summer In this week's episode, AgriHQ analyst Mel Croad talks about red meat prices, Whitestone Cheese managing director Simon Berry unpacks the challenges for artisan cheese, and Federated Farmers arable spokesperson David Birkett talks about winter feed risks following a wet summer.Market Insights | Can red meat farmers bank on record prices?1:56 – AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad says red meat farmers looking at the sector's current high prices are still trying to determine how far into the future they can bank on them. Having seen prices boom, then bust before, many are seeking confirmation the sector is experiencing a structural upward shift in prices that they can bank on for making longer term farm business decisions, including whether to increase breeding stock numbers.Feature | Inside the challenges facing NZ's specialty cheese sector13:30 – Whitestone Cheese managing director Simon Berry outlines some of the challenges the sector is facing at present. They include the cost-of-living crisis making consumers more wary of spending more on luxuries like artisan cheeses, the high ongoing regulatory costs producers face if they want to expand through export ventures, and the uncertainty the sale of NZ's largest specialty cheesemaker Kāpiti to French company Lactalis brings to the sector.Feds Focus | Canterbury crops under pressure after soggy summer25:08 – While the wetter summer has been a positive for pastoral farmers it has made growing and harvesting crops in Canterbury extremely challenging. For dairy farmers the summer has meant less irrigation, but it also means supplies of winter supplement crops may be harder to secure given the impacts weather has had. David is encouraging dairy farmers to start a conversation sooner than later with their arable crop growing partners to ensure they have a clear idea how much will be available, and start a Plan B for crop supply now if necessary.

While the wetter summer has been a positive for pastoral farmers it has made growing and harvesting crops in Canterbury extremely challenging. For dairy farmers the summer has meant less irrigation, but it also means supplies of winter supplement crops may be harder to secure given the impacts weather has had. Federated Farmers arable chair David Birkett is encouraging dairy farmers to start a conversation sooner than later with their arable crop growing partners to ensure they have a clear idea how much will be available, and start a Plan B for crop supply now if necessary.

Canterbury farmers are being urged to plan ahead amid concerns over winter feed supplies. A series of significant hailstorms, combined with persistently wet conditions, has made it a tough season for arable farmers across the region. Federated Farmers is encouraging early discussions between arable and dairy farmers, warning crop damage could reduce feed available for winter-grazed dairy cows. Mid Canterbury President David Acland told Ryan Bridge it's not panic stations just yet, it's a push for people to check in and secure the feed they need. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, AgriHQ's Fiona Quarrie discusses strong lamb and ewe sales after recent rain, Sam Hogg shares how ecological farming can cut emissions and boost profits, and Jason Herrick from Federated Farmers unpacks Southland's local service reform ideas. Market Insights | Strong rainfall sends buyers back to the yards1:25 – AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie says recent rain in regions like Hawke's Bay and Canterbury have been game changing for farmers who are now heading back to the saleyards to restock. Recent store lamb and ewe sales have been very strong, and will continue to be for a while yet. Feature | Why ecological farming is gaining ground7:30 – Sam Hogg has teamed up with his mate Sam Lang to write a chapter for the upcoming book Kiwis in climate: Solutions from Aotearoa New Zealand. Hogg told Bryan that viewing a farm as an ecosystem could transform the way it is managed and reduce emissions, build climate resilience and boost profits.  Feds Focus | Southland leading discussion on local government reform17:55 – Jason Herrick from Federated Farmers in Southland says local bodies there have been discussing how to rationalise services for more than a year, and the region could provide a blueprint for others.Follow the Farmers Weekly Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Send us your feedback or get in touch at farmers.weekly@agrihq.co.nz 

We end the week with a reality check. I was a bit underwhelmed by the Government's response to the last couple of week's weather events. $2 million is not a lot of money, which in a way is good because it indicates the damage isn't that bad. The damage is that bad. It's just the big stuff, the roads and bridges and infrastructure, is being paid for out of contingency budgets in various Government's departments. Fine. But as I asked, and got no real answer to, is that the plan, is it? Build it, watch it get destroyed, patch it up, watch it get destroyed and patch it up? It's not my favoured plan. I asked Penk, Mitchell, and Luxon what the big picture is. There is one, they reassure us. Not sure of a timeframe, which is political speak for "it's on the never-never". Yet in the Post from AA Insurance to the Buller District Mayor is the news they will be suspending cover for the region. No new business in the postcode of 7825, Westport, Carters Beach, and Cape Foulwind. This is where this goes. Just how many letters from how many insurance companies do you want before the big calls need to be made? Matata should have been the red flag and that started 20 years ago. Already Wellington, for other reasons, has insurance issues. The Upper Hunter Valley in New South Wales has been dealing with it for years. Even if you can get cover, it's at least $50,000 a year. There are, rightly or wrongly, sadly or not, chunks of the country that look problematic. Ignoring them or relying on an ever-increasing contingency budget is not going to make them any less so. The Government.is always the last port of call in crisis. The taxpayer will always be the one asked to provide the accommodation and bridge and food when the climate tips life upside down. Federated Farmers said it's not acceptable to have State Highway 2 to Waioweka cut off. Correct, it isn't. But the Government's answers are more band aids. AA Insurance's answer is no more cover. One of them is missing the point. One of them is showing you how this unfolds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federated Farmers arable chairman, who grows wheat, barley and vegetable seeds in Leeston, just south of Christchurch, said growers should be harvesting but are sitting on their hands as Canterbury has suffered another tough harvesting season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Herrick from Federated Farmers in Southland says local bodies there have been discussing how to rationalise services for more than a year, and the region could provide a blueprint for others.

Federated Farmers’ Bay of Plenty president and Gisborne-based national board member give an update on the flooding and slips in their region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The election date is locked in and the gun has officially been fired. November 7 is now circled, but as we head into campaign mode, the biggest issue facing New Zealand is still being quietly ignored. Chris Hipkins delivers a State of the Nation with no new policy and plenty of familiar lines. Duncan argues the real problem isn't revenue, tax or spending. It's courage. National superannuation is now swallowing nearly 18 percent of government spending, yet no major party is willing to confront what comes next. We also check in with Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford to see how rural New Zealand is really tracking. For the first time in a long while, farmers are doing well. Commodity prices are strong, debt is coming down and confidence is returning. So how would a change of government affect them, and does it even matter when most of their product is sold offshore? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Stu Davison from HighGround Dairy about the latest Global Dairy Trade Event (+1.5%), the role of geopolitical turmoil regarding dairy markets and upcoming dairy conferences in the US... He talks with Mike Siermans, the new CEO of Federated Farmers, about his background, his vision for the organisation and NZ farming and what he hopes to achieve... And he talks with Scott Archbold, President of the Takaka Dog Trial Club, about celebrating the club's 130th anniversary this weekend, the history of the club and what they've got planned. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Dom talks with Mike Siermans, the new CEO of Federated Farmers, about his background, his vision for the organisation and NZ farming and what he hopes to achieve. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Handshake deals may be a thing of the past following the launch of an Arable Industry Code of Conduct. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Federated Farmers' arable chair David Birkett says that by providing a standardised set of expectations, the code offers greater certainty and aims to prevent costly disputes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new chief executive of Federated Farmers says he wants to create an "unfair" advantage for kiwi farmers at home and on the world stage. Mike Siermans spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

A former All Blacks captain says New Zealand Rugby was left with no option but to sack Scott Robertson; With an internet blackout in place in Iran, only scant details about what is happening on the ground are emerging via the Elon Musk-owned internet satellite Starlink; The Government is investing $3.7 million to market New Zealand's regions internationally, encouraging visitors to travel beyond traditional hotspots during autumn and winter. However, critics warn infrastructure and environmental issues should be addressed before attracting more tourists; The new chief executive of Federated Farmers says he wants to create an "unfair" advantage for kiwi farmers at home and on the world stage; A new report from a global cybersecurity company says online scammers are using our "number 8 wire" mentality against us.

We catch up with the new chief executive of Federated Farmers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers president looks back at a successful 2025 and looks forward to more results in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The President of Federated Farmers applauds the RMA reforms, and we count down the Feds’ “12 Pests of Christmas”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marlborough farmer and Federated Farmers’ Meat and Wool Chair. Today, he talks about the “Twelve Pests of Christmas” and why there are no politicians on the list. We also preview today’s RMA announcement from the Government and discuss the big dry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers’ arable group chairman on a surge in dairy conversions in Canterbury, as low wheat prices and a high milk payout tempt growers to swap crops for milk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Repeatedly low wheat prices are driving more farmers to turn to dairy. The Canterbury Regional Council says up to 25-thousand more dairy cows could be added to the region this year - with 32 new farms given the green light. Federated Farmers' confidence survey in July found 81 percent of dairy farmers surveyed were making a profit, compared to just 40 percent of arable. National Dairy Chair Karl Dean told Mike Hosking that dairy has a more consistent cash flow. He says arable farmers are the ones with the land to convert. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The President of Federated Farmers previews his farm tour with the Prime Minister, talks about an increasing Feds membership, making a buck at $9.50, and why he’s happy to see the end of regional councils.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister ponders a peace deal in Ukraine, going on a farm tour with Federated Farmers, getting rid of regional councils, the OCR, KiwiSaver, the age of eligibility for National Super, whether a CGT has any political appeal, and whether Chloe is a genuine contender to be the next Minister of Finance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is a Mid Canterbury arable farmer, and former provincial president of Federated Farmers, who's fronting the campaign against the consenting crisis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy PM and Act Party leader comments on Trump dropping tariffs, Federated Farmers' petition to end the consenting crisis, and we ask why the Government is scoring so badly on inflation, cost of living and the economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The president of Federated Farmers on a breaking story around farm consents, which is coming out on Monday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first female president of Federated Farmers, and a good West Coaster, shares her thoughts on the country’s weather woes and Labour’s proposed capital gains tax.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The president of Federated Farmers updates on a brutal weather week down on the farm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s farmer panel comprises a Federated Farmers’ current local government and adverse events spokeswoman, and the former meat and wool chairman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers national president welcomes the government's new methane reduction target.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Assurance for farmers with the latest methane target update. The Government's set the 2050 targets to 14 to 24-percent below 2017 levels - which is 24 to 47-percent lower than the previous. Federated Farmers President Wayne Langford told Mike Hosking they'd been advocating for lower, but this at least gives farmers a clear direction of travel. He says the numbers are scientific rather than idealistic, which is good for farmers. Langford says it's measurable, and they're on track to achieve it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For today’s Mental Health Awareness Week interview, we catch up with Federated Farmers’ North Canterbury president to learn more about how a major injury affected her wellbeing and her marriage. She shares how she fought her way back to physical and mental wellness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers president kicks off Mental Health Awareness Week on The Country. He has a few tips for rural Kiwis on looking after “the top paddock” from his own personal experience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers is demanding urgent action from both mobile companies and the government over often unreliable rural connectivity. 

More than one-third of farmers say their mobile coverage has gotten worse over the past year - and it's negatively impacting their work environment and overall safety. New reports show only 57 percent of farmland gets coverage, and there's been no improvement since 2022. Federated Farmers telecommunications spokesperson Mark Hooper says the situation is likely to get worse with the 3G network shutting down, and they're trying to get a handle on things. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tasman District Council is trying to implement a Water Conservation Order to protect Golden Bay's Te Waikoropupu Springs the springs, but the request for a plan change is opposed by Federated Farmers.

Canterbury Regional Council has declared a nitrate emergency for the district's waterways and drinking water, following a fiery meeting today. The battle lines have been drawn, with Federated Farmers and the Agriculture Minister joining some councillors in branding the move a political stunt. Other councillors are calling for action on what they called a crisis. Keiller MacDuff reports.

Frustration from farmers over Environment Canterbury's decision to declare a nitrate emergency. It voted —nine to seven— for the declaration after groundwater testing found levels of the chemical increasing in the majority of monitored sites. Federated Farmers Vice President Colin Hurst told Mike Hosking solving this problem can take a number of years, but farmers have been working on it. He says ECan's put a wedge between farmers and council after yesterday's decision. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers says letting Chorus remove the copper network could leave rural people with uncertainty as to where to go for a phone or internet connection.