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Has the president of Federated Farmers sold his soul for a new Hilux? What are the main concerns from the provincial AGMs? What are the Feds working on at the moment? Is he looking forward to drying off? Will he fix his milk price? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Federated Farmers Meat & Wool Chair Toby Williams about the loopholes remaining in the government’s commitment to halt the locking up of high-quality farmland in carbon forest, how those loopholes can be closed and the risks of carbon farming to farmers and rural communities... He talks with Autex Creative Director Jono Mountfort about the launch of the Autex Future Lab, the scientific evidence and closed-loop systems that go into the production of sustainable wool and its application for the Autex acoustic wall panels... And he talks with Marg Forde, registrar for the NZ Wool Classers Association, about its Industry Professional Development day at Lincoln University on Friday (May 9th), the purpose of the day and the topics to be covered. 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.
Federated Farmers' meat and wool chairman welcomes the Government’s commitment to halt the locking up of high-quality farmland in carbon forest, but says loopholes remain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A tough winter ahead for meat processing plants as livestock numbers continue to decline. Latest figures from Stats NZ show a 21% drop in sheep numbers over the past 10 years – a total decline of 6.2 million sheep since 2014. The number of dairy cattle also fell 13% over the same period. Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chair Toby Williams told Ryan Bridge keeping livestock processing plants open, profitable, and running efficiently is a significant challenge. He says big plants are struggling to get numbers of livestock through, with close to million less lambs to process this year than last. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bryan talks trade with Farmers Weekly's trade reporter Nigel Stirling. They cover the new alliance being sought and whether New Zealand will take action against Donald Trump for imposing tariffs on it.AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington joins Bryan to discuss how Australian farmers are faring and what their plans are for meat exports over the next year or so. With parts of the country in drought and others recently flooded, is the era of Aussie market dominance at risk?Federated Farmers vie-president Colin Hurst updates Bryan on the recent court case where Ngai Tahu is seeking sovereignty over freshwater in the South island. Federated Farmers gave evidence as an interested party and Colin says the case has big implications for farmers.
Federated Farmers vie-president Colin Hurst updates Bryan on the recent court case where Ngai Tahu is seeking sovereignty over freshwater in the South island. Federated Farmers gave evidence as an interested party and Colin says the case has big implications for farmers.
This week:Senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses a new app that gives farmers a precise pasture measurement by simply taking a short video of a paddock on a smartphone. He reports on the government's plan to wind up the Green Investment Fund and talks to one of its success stories, Ruminant Biotech. And there's news on a big farm sale in the Waikato/Coromandel region.Senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses a new app that gives farmers a precise pasture measurement by simply taking a short video of a paddock on a smartphone. He reports on the government's plan to wind up the Green Investment Fund and talks to one of its success stories, Ruminant Biotech. And there's news on a big farm sale in the Waikato/Coromandel region.Federated Farmers spokesperson Sandra Faulkner is over the moon at the government's decision to favour wool products in state buildings. She says it will bring confidence back to an industry that has been lacking it for some time.
Federated Farmers spokesperson Sandra Faulkner is over the moon at the government's decision to favour wool products in state buildings. She says it will bring confidence back to an industry that has been lacking it for some time.
In this week's show:AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad tries to find some sense in Donald Trump's tariff strategy. She says that our meat exports to the United States are holding up well and with shortages of supply there, we could find they continue to perform well.Bryan sits down with five Lincoln University students to find out their views of New Zealand's food and fibre sector. Second-year students Cameron Brans, Crystal Jewell, Brooke Jewell and Georgia Checkley, and fourth-year honours student Natasha Hastie discuss why they chose a career in agriculture and what they think the big issues the industry faces are.Federated Farmers spokesperson Richard McIntyre joins the show to tell us why he thinks Greenpeace should be stripped of its charity status. Richard reckons the recent action that saw activists take over a part of Port Taranaki in protest of the use of palm kernel by the dairy industry crosses the line.
Federated Farmers spokesperson Richard McIntyre joins the show to tell us why he thinks Greenpeace should be stripped of its charity status. Richard reckons the recent action that saw activists take over a part of Port Taranaki in protest of the use of palm kernel by the dairy industry crosses the line.
Federated Farmers dairy chair and national board member talks about calls by Feds for the Government to immediately strip Greenpeace of its charitable status, following the group’s occupation of Port Taranaki this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today’s farmer/politician panel traverses topics as diverse as the North Island drought, the GE Free Bill, Federated Farmers taking the fight to Greenpeace, Grannie Flats, politicians being accosted at airports and Trump’s tariffs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's show:Senior reporter Neal Wallace wraps up his trip to Singapore, where he visited some of the innovative food technology and production businesses that are at the heart of the nation's big food business.Forest scientist Simeon Smaill from Scion tells Bryan that if we're to plant the number of native trees we need to, we're going to have to apply the same scientific rigour we showed when we were focused on pine trees. Federated Farmers health and safety spokesperson David Birkett says changes to the health and safety regulations are a positive step for farmers. He says improved farm safety will come from a ground-up approach, not from more box-ticking.
Federated Farmers’ National President and Golden Bay dairy farmer in the Tasman District, updates the rainfall numbers as an atmospheric river hovers overhead. He also comments on the banking inquiry and the Feds’ GMO submission.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Federated Farmers health and safety spokesperson David Birkett says changes to the health and safety regulations are a positive step for farmers. He says improved farm safety will come from a ground-up approach, not from more box-ticking.
Farmers in the Tasman District say this year's drought is the worst in recent history and they are hoping heavy rain forecast for today might bring much-needed relief. Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford spoke to Paddy Gower.
Federated Farmers’ banking spokesman celebrates a big Feds win over the banks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The former CEO of Federated Farmers, former adviser to the Reserve Bank, and younger brother of Bill (Sir William) writes "The US government intends to use tariffs as a way of incentivising other countries to do things that are helpful to the US; things like curtail immigrants or drugs travelling across the border, or to shift manufacturing jobs to America. President Donald Trump has described the word 'tariffs' as 'the most beautiful word in the dictionary,' so it’s clear he likes the idea of using tariffs." So, what will Trump do on April 2?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Farmers are keeping an eye on how some aspects of Resource Management Act reforms will work in practice. The Government's new framework for planning includes new acts around development of land and on protection of the natural environment. It also includes greater property rights – including allowing landowners to seek compensation against unjustified restrictions on their land. But Federated Farmers RMA spokesperson Mark Hooper told Andrew Dickens it's important local voices take precedence. However, he says there's a good line being developed regarding proposing each individual district have its own plan. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fonterra farmers are in line for a large payout on interim results. The co-op's lifting its dividend to 22 cents a share, from 15 in the previous comparable period. It's reporting its first-half profit increased 8% to $729 million. Federated Farmers' Richard McIntyre told Francesca Rudkin that for the first time in quite a while, he's hearing farmers starting to talk about what they could or should invest in for their farms. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Federated Farmers' banking spokesman is calling for the Reserve Bank to drop overly conservative and growth-restricting banking capital rules that are costing farmers a fortune. Plus, we ask how autumn calving is going during a Manawatū drought.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Southern farmers are in a flap about wild ducks, calling for the mallard breed to be designated pests so they can be killed throughout the year. Southland's Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick said an explosion of ducks is causing big problems as they are munching through crops. Herrick said farmers asked the local Fish and Game for permission to cull the problem ducks but were turned down and told they could only shoot to scare them. The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacks this latest stoush. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The President of Federated Farmers on his recent trip to Mongolia. Do their farmers have similar pressures around emissions profiles? Their cashmere industry? And where in the world was Winston when they crossed paths?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we're talking all things cows with Federated Farmers' Richard McIntyre.
On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with East Coast FMG Young Farmer of the Year regional winner James Robbie about the event, what brought him back to farming after studying political science and working in the corporate world and his governance roles... He talks with AFFCO National Livestock Manager Tom Young about the state of the red meat sector, the challenges facing the industry and some possible solutions... He talks with Southland Federated Farmers President Jason Herrick about its latest initiative to get ducks included on the pest register, why he's encouraging people in Southland to not get their licenses for this year's duck hunting season and Southland Feds' ongoing battle with local Fish & Game... And he talks with Justine Kidd, Beef+LambNZ's General Manager of Extension, about the upcoming 'Out the Gate' event (March 26) in Rotorua, what's involved and the speaker line-up. 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.
In this week's show:Senior reporter Richard Rennie reports on his recent trip to Tairāwhiti, where he caught up with some of the forestry companies working to ensure the next storm that hits the region doesn't cause the same damage as Cyclone Gabrielle.Things are looking up for sheep and beef farmers, the B+LNZ midseason update is forecasting a strong return to profitability for the sector. Bryan talks to chair Kate Acland and Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay about the year ahead for meat exporters.Federated Farmers banking spokesperson Richard McIntyre delves into the complexities of rural banking practices in New Zealand, discussing the implications of banks' decisions on local businesses. They explore the balance between environmental responsibility and the need for financial institutions to support local economies. They also debate whether “woke” is a useful term to use when trying to discuss complex issues.
This week, Bryan chats with Federated Farmers banking spokesperson Richard McIntyre, who delves into the complexities of rural banking practices in New Zealand, discussing the implications of banks' decisions on local businesses. They explore the balance between environmental responsibility and the need for financial institutions to support local economies. They also debate whether “woke” is a useful term to use when trying to discuss complex issues.
On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Federated Farmers Taranaki President Leedom Gibbs about the drought in the province, the dire situation facing many farmers and how they can access help... He talks with Open Farms founder Daniel Eb about its upcoming Open Farms day (Sunday March 9), which farms are taking part and the purpose of the open days... And he talks to Reefton Distilling Co. CEO Patsy Bass about winning gold at the World Whiskies Awards, the recent DramFest event and Patsy's inclusion as one of the top 50 Women in Food & Drink NZ. 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.
In this week's show:Senior reporter Neal Wallace reports on a new auction system for strong wool that is modelled on the Global Dairy Trade system. He tells Bryan its backers say it will provide a better way to trade fibre and should lead to more value being created for farmers.The New Zealand Meat Board flies under the radar a little bit but it does one of the most significant jobs in the food and fibre sector – managing the quotas for red meat exports. Chief executive Nick Beeby joins the show to lift the lid on the process.AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner previews the beef weaner fairs and calf sales that are getting underway. She says everything is pointing to a bumper set of sales and there should be great returns for vendors.Federated Farmers vice-president Colin Hurst unpacks the new funding announced for the QEII Trust, which was facing the prospect of being unable to register new landholdings. He says the funding boost is great news for farmers and for conservation efforts.
There's relief among farmers as the Government recognises drought conditions in Taranaki. Federated Farmers says the region's had a year-and-a-half of unusually low rainfall, particularly in Manaia, Hāwera and Kakaramea. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says it's forced some farmers to feed-out livestock or sell earlier. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A funding boost for the QEII National Trust is a win for farmers and the environment, Federated Farmers vice president says. The Government has announced an additional $4.5 million for the trust over the next three years after strong advocacy from Federated Farmers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The former President of Federated Farmers talks about drought (really?) on the West Coast, feeding out in summer, and whether this is Climate Change in action. As for the Paris Climate Accord; in or out? And what interest in farm sales is there on the Coast?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Farmer confidence has risen to its highest level in over a decade, rebounding from record lows in recent years, Federated Farmers says. The advocacy group has released its latest farm confidence survey, which shows falling interest rates, rising incomes and more favourable farming rules have led to the improved outlook. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Federated Farmers' president comments on the industry-good body's latest (very positive) farmer confidence survey and the continuation of the bank enquiry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Federated Farmers is crediting the coalition government for a surge in farmer confidence. Confidence within the sector has reached its highest level in more than a decade, jumping from a dismal -66% in July last year to 2%. Federated Farmers President Wayne Langford told Mike Hosking while the last few years have been tough for farming families, favourable farming rules have seen things turn around. He says announcements around emissions pricing, freshwater farm plans, and on-farm costs is helping the sector. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Federated farmers says families are being forced to abandon rural life because they can't get their kids to school after cuts to bus routes. Its spokesperson Toby Williams spoke to Lisa Owen.
Federated Farmers' Meatloaf and Wool Chair (and Gisborne farmer) comments on the two-year anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle today, National Lamb Day tomorrow and, of course, Valentine's Day!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Federated Farmers' local government spokeswoman (and Gisborne farmer) calls for the Government to make seven key changes to restore confidence in local body decision-making.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet farmers Joyce and Jock Wyllie, who first met when she was a locum vet visiting his isolated farm in Golden Bay. We also check back in to see what progress Miley the Huntaway is making and talk to Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Federated Farmers meat and wool chair on how the Government's 2035 climate target (51-55% emissions reduction) has signed NZ up for more pines on productive land. Plus, Kāinga Ora gives wool producers the chance to tender for the supply of carpets and underlays in its homes, and Feds welcomes Shane Jones’ efforts to hold banks accountable when they stray from their core function - lending money, not lecturing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The former vice president of Federated Farmers (and Wairarapa arable farmer) is leaving FMG to take up the top job at Irrigation New Zealand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kiwi banks and their overseas parent companies need to follow the lead of America’s six biggest banks and urgently withdraw from the Net Zero Banking Alliance, so says Federated Farmers' banking spokesman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The former president of Federated Farmers, former vice president of the World Dairy Federation, and dairy farmer, updates conditions on the West Coast and the Predator Free conservation efforts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The president of Federated Farmers wraps the big farming stories of 2024. And he also ranks the banks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Federated Farmers have submitted a formal complaint to the Commerce Commission, requesting an urgent investigation into the lending practices of New Zealand banks. The complaint relates to potentially anti-competitive, coordinated, cartel-like behaviour from the banks, driven by their involvement in the international Net-Zero Banking Alliance. And could farmers face the same fate as the petrol stations as woke banks got for broke to make their customers broke? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are concerns that bank's environmental goals will hurt petrol stations. Federated Farmers says it's been told by small petrol stations that banks will stop lending to them, and all existing debt will need to be paid by 2030. Spokesperson Richard McIntyre says it's because of commitments to the Net-Zero Banking Alliance. He told Heather du Plessis-Allan it doesn't seem like they're going after the big players. Richard McIntyre says they're worried about small communities losing their petrol stations. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Former Minister of Agriculture and Labour's current Trade Spokesperson pays tribute to Federated Farmers' Chris Allen, before the gloves come off for one more time in 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's hopes new legislation will protect the most productive farmland. The rule change will stop Category 1 to 5 land being converted into forestry. Those with category 6 land will only be allowed to convert 15 thousand hectares. Federated Farmers forestry spokesperson Toby Williams told Mike Hosking that it restores the balance between farming and production forestry, and makes sure they're playing on an even field. He says they've been working on for three or four years with the National Party, and it's really answered their calls. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fonterra is holding its AGM in New Plymouth on Thursday, and farmers are heading into it feeling positive. Federated Farmers' dairy chief Richard McIntyre spoke to Corin Dann.
Farmers are calling for Kiwibank to enter the rural lending market to boost competition and improve loan options.