Podcasts about Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers is calling on Revenue Minister Simon Watts to rule out new changes to the Fringe Benefit tax that would impact utes. The IRD has proposed major changes to the way FBT applies to utes and farmers are concerned this would set them back thousands of dollars a year. Federated Farmers' transport spokesperson Mark Hooper says this issue started drawing in more attention post-Fieldays. "We've had a little bit of communication with the minister's office - as I said, we looked at it from a farm perspective, we could see that there were some issues with the categories they had laid out." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode: Market Insights | Dwindling sheep numbers worrying exporters1:36 – AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington reveals some worrying data about our sheep population. Numbers are down and processors are struggling to find stock to export.Feature | Checking out the herd at Fieldays7:15 – Fieldays is underway at Mystery Creek and senior reporter Richard Rennie is there taking in the sights and sounds. In our feature interview he talks with herd-i chief executive Liz Muller about whether farmers are spending this year and how the company is tracking.Feds Focus | Petition to use KiwiSaver for property investment17:41 – Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre chats about the petition they've launched to try and get the government to make good on its promise to allow farmers to use their KiwiSaver to invest in property. Right now they're not allowed if they don't live in the house they buy.The Final Word22:10 – The Ahuwhenua Trophy was another fantastic celebration of Māori farming. But are we doing enough in the food and fibre sector to support this primary powerhouse? And, isn't it time we adopted the mindset these great farmers have to improve the lot of every farmer?

Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre chats about the petition they've launched to try and get the government to make good on its promise to allow farmers to use their KiwiSaver to invest in property. Right now they're not allowed if they don't live in the house they buy.

New Zealand food and fibre exports - including dairy, meat and wool, horticulture and forestry - are set to hit $60 billion a year for the first time. Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

As part of Fieldays, Federated Farmers have done the most interesting survey. It is a snapshot, like them all. But the numbers for one lot are so stark, alarm bells should be ringing. So, who would a farmer vote for? You would say National and you would be right. Broadly the farming community is conservative, always has been. That, partly, is because they are their own masters, they are hard workers, they are self-reliant, they are at the cutting edge of the economy, and they know how life works. So 54% said they'd vote for National and 19% said ACT. Here is where it gets interesting and/or alarming. 8% said they'd vote for NZ First. They're the only party with farmers at about the same level as they are nationally. Labour is on 3%. How bad is that? Even with a margin of error, even with a massive margin of error, Labour should be shocked at that figure. Every party has their sweet spot, some parties more overtly so, e.g. the Greens and environmentalists, or communists. ACT have some upmarket urban liberals. New Zealand First having a provincial number higher than the city wouldn't surprise me But National and Labour, as major parties should be, by their very nature are broad-based. After all, it is Labour and National, and Labour and National alone, that will lead any given Government on any given day. You have to at least have a half-decent level of support even in your weakest areas. Farming is particularly important, given we are a farming nation, the foreign receipts we get from the land and the value of our free trade deals. To have a major party so out of touch with such a large sector strikes me as being astonishing, if not embarrassing, if not unheard of. My suspicion is the current version of Labour is particularly unpalatable, and this is going to be their major issue next year. For all voters the damage done to the country is still fresh in most of our minds, but no more so than farmers. The climate obsession, special land area designation, Three Waters with Māori overreach, no gas, and more paperwork. Farmers hated it. A lot of us hated it. But in general polls Labour are competitive. On the land they are pariahs. At 3% that is a massive hill for Hipkins and co to climb between now and October next year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The heat is on the agriculture minister to deliver this term on a pre-election promise to unlock KiwiSaver so it can be used to buy a first farm, and not just a house. At the moment if you have been contributing to KiwiSaver for three years you can withdraw almost all the money to buy a first home to live in, although there a few exceptions. Federated Farmers has launched a petition urging the government to losen the rules for accessing the retirement scheme saying it will turbo charge the next generation of farmers and deliver on a committment that Todd Mclay made during a meeting in Morrinsville. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay spoke to Lisa Owen.

Federated Farmers say this year's Fieldays is likely to be one of the most positive. Federated Farmers national president Wayne Langford spoke to Corin Dann.

In today's episode, government ministers will be arriving at Fieldays on mass as the country looks to the agricultural sector to drive the economy over the next year, Federated Farmers believe this year's Fieldays is likely to be one of the most positive, the government will be hoping tractor sales are tracking upward at Fieldays with a new tax incentive for farm machinery, it is now the fourth day of protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in Los Angeles, and 11 people, including the gunman, have died in a shooting at an Austrian high school in the city of Graz.

There have been calls for the government to unlock KiwiSaver so the funds can be used to buy a first farm, not just a house. At the moment if you have been contributing to KiwiSaver for three years you can withdraw almost all the money to buy a first home to live in. Now, Federated Farmers has launched a petition urging the government to losen the rules for accessing the retirement scheme and have said it will turbo charge the next generation of famers. Federated Farmers Dairy chair, Richard McIntyre spoke to Lisa Owen.

Federated Farmers has launched a petition calling for KiwiSaver rules to be changed to help young farmers get their foot on the ladder. The petition's launch has been timed to coincide with Fieldays, where thousands of farmers, industry leaders and politicians will gather at Mystery Creek. Federated Farmers' banking spokesperson Richard McIntyre says farming is very capital intensive and young farmers need a boost in the name of fairness. "Kiwi farmers are really struggling to put that money aside and a lot of them are actually deciding not to put money into KiwiSaver and basically scrimp and save because they know they need all the money they can get to actually get their foot in the door." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode: News Wrap | Taiwan hungry for NZ dairy products1:34 – Senior reporter Richard Rennie wraps up his trip to Taiwan, a fascinating market that's hungry for NZ dairy products and has a discerning and high-value consumer base.Market Insights | In-lamb ewes hit the saleyards10:26 – AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie wraps up the early sales for in-lamb ewes. With less breeding stock on the hills there's fewer buyers but prices are holding for now.Feature | Energy as a new crop option for farms14:40 – Farmers now have a new and simple way to diversify into electricity generation. Farmlands Flex offers the technology, infrastructure and collective buying power for farmers to not only save on energy bills but also build resilience in the grid. Farmlands chief executive Tanya Houghton explains the initiative to Bryan.Feds Focus | Freshwater reforms get a tick from Feds26:11 – Federated Farmers vice-president Colin Hurst says he's happy with the proposed freshwater reforms that should empower catchments to solve their environmental issues themselves. The Final Word34:29 – State Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown has told Pāmu to up its game and provide the government a better return. But what is the value we expect from the state-owned farmer? Is it just dollars or does Pāmu offer other things that help our industry flourish?

Parts of the South Island are in line for snow as a big chill makes its bite. Federated Farmers' Otago president Luke Kane spoke to Corin Dann.

The president of Federated Farmers and poster boy for Toyota, Yamaha and One NZ. We discuss “Save Our Sheep” billboards in Wellington and the Feds’ banking survey. Plus, the Fish & Game announcement today - its advocacy function is under review. Also, Federated Farmers is at Fieldays next week – where can people find them and what will they focus on?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers vice-president Colin Hurst tells Bryan he's happy with the proposed freshwater reforms that should empower catchments to solve their environmental issues themselves.

Federated Farmers’ banking spokesman comments on the results of the latest survey. Are the banks getting the message? And which banks are performing best (and worst)?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows more Kiwi farmers are satisfied with their banks - pointing to improved communication and less 'undue pressure'. Federated Farmers' latest Banking Survey shows 60 percent of respondents are 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with their bank. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows more Kiwi farmers are satisfied with their banks - pointing to improved communication and less 'undue pressure'. Federated Farmers' latest Banking Survey shows 60 percent of respondents are 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with their bank. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode:Market Insights | Winter prep underway to set stock numbers1:34 – AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner has all the news from the saleyards. With winter almost here, farmers are getting stock numbers set for the colder months, but Suz reckons prices are holding up for vendors.Feature | Farming needs to build long-term resilience6:59 – The annual KPMG Agribusiness Agenda was launched at E Tipu: The NZ Future Food and Fibre Summit in Palmerston North. Bryan sat down with head of consumer/industrial markets agriculture Ian Proudfoot to talk through the agenda. Ian's calling for our food and fibre sector to form a long-term strategy that gives certainty and confidence to those being buffeted by constant challenges.Feds Focus | Drystock sector is facing a crisis20:39 – Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams says the drystock sector is facing a crisis and it will take a big effort to restore confidence to the hill country. He's calling on the farming sector, government and everyone else with a stake in our economic wellbeing to work together to save our sheep.The Final Word28:25 – It's a running joke at farming conferences that the most overused word is collaboration. But with the world experiencing more geopolitical turmoil and big challenges here at home, the right sort of collaboration will be the key to future success.

The government's released new rules and policies telling Councils how to manage everything from housing and mining to water. Federated Farmers National Vice President Colin Hurst spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Federated Farmers is welcoming proposed changes to the Resource Management Act. The Government's released three discussion documents proposing amending 12 current national directions and four new ones. They include changes to freshwater management, regulation of farming practices and revising mine consent processes. Mark Hooper, their RMA Spokesperson, told Mike Hosking that while the guidelines are complex and there's a lot to wade through, the intent here is very much to get a simpler and better outcome. The rewritten Resource Management Act isn't expected to come until next year, so he says the intent of this release is to hopefully provide a bit more guidance and certainty for local authorities, so they can get on with their planning. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams says the drystock sector is facing a crisis and it will take a big effort to restore confidence to the hill country. He's calling on the farming sector, government and everyone else with a stake in our economic wellbeing to work together to save our sheep.

We find Labour’s trade spokesman at the E Tipu conference in Palmerston North, but is it a woke talk fest? We also preview tomorrow’s “Love in” with Federated Farmers in Masterton, but is it a waste of time? Plus, is he in favour of Fonterra selling its Consumer Brands? And what about more conversions in Canterbury?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers’ meat and wool chairman launches a new campaign, SOS: Save Our Sheep, calling for urgent action to halt the collapse of New Zealand’s sheep industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Bridie Virbickas, Sharefarmer Chair for Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers, about the results of a survey conducted by The Sharefarming Consultants which reveals an alarming rate of financial and mental health issues within the industry, whether it's a true reflection of the sector and some of the mitigating factors... He talks with Crusaders and All Blacks hooker George Bell about coming back from injury, graduating along with his sister from Lincoln University and the looming Super Rugby Pacific play-offs... And he talks with Craig Lowry, Head of Sales & Service for GEA Farm Technologies New Zealand, about robotic milking systems for dairy cows, its latest technology and the inherent benefits for farmers. 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.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, Full Show Podcast Tuesday the 27th of May 2025, Retail NZ's Ann Marie Johnson tells Ryan Bridge why they've has called for an urgent meeting with Police Minister Mark Mitchell after Police were told to no longer investigate allegations of shop lifting below $500. Greyhound racing New Zealand are calling for a judicial review into the Government's decision to ban the sector, Greyhound trainer Craig Roberts shares what the ban will mean for him. Federated Farmers are warning of declining sheep numbers, Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard tells Ryan Bridge what this means from a Government stand point. Ryan Bridge shares his thoughts on Winston Peters ruling out working with Chris Hipkins. Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on a snap ban on machetes in Victoria after a violent brawl in a suburban shopping centre. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode:Market Insights | Store markets are holding strong 1:29 – AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad tells Bryan that store markets are holding strong and a lack of available stock is seeing processors offer hefty contracts. Luckily, export returns are holding up and should balance out the high prices here at home.Feature | What to expect at NZ's food and fibre summit8:29 – Food HQ chief executive Dr Victoria Hatton joins the studio to preview next week's E Tipu conference in Palmerston North. The conference will tackle four big themes – Understanding our place in the world, Growing value, investing in growth and growing futures.Feds Focus | Emergency management rules need some changes19:05 – Federated Farmers adverse event spokesperson Sandra Faulkner says she's pushing for changes to the proposed emergency management regulations. A discussion document is light on farmer input and Sandra says rural communities are at the heart of many emergency responses.The Final Word26:54 – Lincoln University researchers have busted the myth that government regulation is a handbrake on farm profitability. They studied farmers in the Selwyn District facing stringent regulations and found those farmers understood the need for them and also enjoyed efficiency gains and a rise in land values.

It’s Budget Day! So, what would the Leader of the Opposition do if he were running the cutter? Why the love-in with Federated Farmers? And why are we not seeing any agricultural policy from Labour?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The president of Federated Farmers on the love-in with Labour and the battle with Groundswell, NZ Farming and the Methane Science Accord. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers adverse event spokesperson Sandra Faulkner says she's pushing for changes to the proposed emergency management regulations. A discussion document is light on farmer input and Sandra says rural communities are at the heart of many emergency responses.

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Jeremy Baker, CEO of Muka Tangata, the Workforce Development Council for the food and fibre sector, about its role in leading a sector drive to build the workforce capability needed to support the Government’s goal of doubling export value by 2034, what the existing problems are and what slutions are being sought... He talks with Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Richard McIntyre about Budget 2025, what's in it for farmers and a recent survey of contract milkers which has revealed some alarming results... And he talks with Agritourism NZ founder and CEO Marijke Dunselman about being awarded Best Use of Technology in Agritourism at the 2025 World Agritourism Awards, what it means for her Agritourism Academy and how the academy is helping people diversify their farming operations. 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.

The primary sector's going gangbusters, with a billion-dollar monthly trade surplus for the first time in five years. Stats NZ data reveals it sat on $1.4 billion in April, compared with a $12 million deficit for the same time last year. The dairy sector's been the big winner. Federated Farmers Dairy Chairperson Richard McIntyre told Ryan Bridge a lot of dairy farmers have smiles on their faces. He says they're proud of their contribution to the economy, and the wider standard of living they help Kiwis generate. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers dairy chair says Feds is calling on the Government to deliver on National’s pre-election promise to change KiwiSaver rules to help young farmers get their foot on the farming ladder.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s farmer panel features "the two Sandys from Gizzy" - the Federated Farmers adverse events spokeswoman and the Rural Women NZ president.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00) Full Show | May 16 (00:01:47) Foresters fume at new rules in Tairāwhiti (00:09:47) Wetland or livestock? Methane study holds the answer (00:19:21) Government methane target must come down (00:28:43) The Final Word In this episode: News Wrap | Foresters fume at new rules in Tairāwhiti1:48 – Senior reporter Richard Rennie tells Bryan that foresters are not happy with new rules being put forward on the East Coast. They say at best they'll be hard to achieve and at worst will make forestry impossible.Feature | Wetland or livestock? Methane study holds the answer9:48 – NIWA scientist Dr Christian Stiegler talks about a research project that will give us the ability to differentiate methane emitted by livestock from that emitted from wetlands. It could give farmers and policy-makers more insight into where emissions come from and how to manage them better.Feds Focus | Government methane target must come down19:22 – Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams says he's urging the government not to stick with its likely 24% reduction target for methane. He says it's a death sentence for the sheep and beef sector.The Final Word28:44 – Some processors are rolling out sustainability programmes for their farmer-suppliers, and according to Fonterra, theirs is helping move some commodity products into value-add territory. The increased transparency and certainty has led some customers to buy on contract, rather than at auction, with farmers being rewarded for their work.

Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams says he's urging the government not to stick with its likely 24% reduction target for methane. He says it's a death sentence for the sheep and beef sector.

This West Coast dairy farmer, and former president of Federated Farmers, says we need to change how we measure methane in the atmosphere, and she questions our commitment to the Paris Agreement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Men's mental health has generated more attention and awareness, but one expert has warned there's still some progress to be made. Federated Farmers' Wayne Langford has spoken out about the work that needs to be done - and he joined the Afternoons team to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's show: News Wrap | Farming powers government's science advice1:43 – Senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses the appointment of Dr John Roche as the Prime Minister's new science advisor. He also reports on how the Australian election may have dashed hopes of the continuation of the live export trade across the Tasman. Market Insights | Rain a big influence in the saleyards11:36 – AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie says recent rain in many regions has had a big impact on the livestock markets, with some stock and buyers unable to get to the yards. The rain has also boosted grass growth in some regions and that's reflected in buying trends. Feature | Greens want level playing field on animal welfare16:10 – Green Party agriculture and animal welfare spokesperson Steve Abel joins the studio to discuss his new Members' Bill that would hold imported food to the same animal welfare standards we have here. Steve also outlines the party's vision for a thriving food and fibre sector. Feds Focus | Government reminded of KiwiSaver promise35:10 – Federated Farmers banking spokesperson Richard McIntyre has reminded the government of its promise to alter KiwiSaver regulations to allow farmers to invest in property off-farm. He says it's unfair that some New Zealanders can use their fund to get ahead while farmers are unable to do the same thing.The Final Word 40:30 – As New Zealand begins trade negotiations with India, Bryan says holding out for a deal that includes free access for our dairy industry might not be in the best interests of our food and fibre sector as a whole. 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

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.

Red meat exports are setting records. The country's March export sales were $1.26 billion - a new high. China's beef demand dropped 35% by volume and value compared to last March, due to their growing imports from South America. Fed Farmers President Wayne Langford told Mike Hosking there's still room to expand. He says there's work to do for farming marketing and trade teams to get deals across the line with Chinese red meat importers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Today we're talking all things cows with Federated Farmers' Richard McIntyre.

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.