Podcasts about Federated Farmers

We catch up with the Minister of Agriculture and Trade, whose address, "Releasing the future potential of the primary industries to deliver growth," was the first of the summit this morning. We also speak with the Federated Farmers’ national president about his future in the role.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

ACT wants to add 100,000 police patrol hours to rural areas and create a dedicated rural crime unit. Federated Farmers rural crime spokesman Karl Dean spoke to John Campbell.

A proposed boost to rural policing is being seen as a positive move, but farmers say more action's still needed. The ACT Party's promising funding for an extra 100 thousand patrol hours in rural communities. It also wants tougher penalties for armed poachers and livestock thieves, and the expansion of 111 texting for farmers with patchy mobile coverage. Federated Farmers spokesperson Karl Dean told Heather du Plessis-Allan rural connectivity is worse than five years ago, following the 3G shutdown. A big concern, he says, is that some crime never gets reported – like fuel theft. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Dom talks with Richard Dawkins, Federated Farmers Meat & Wool Chair, about his first time at Fieldays, Federated Farmers five-point plan for the next government and the government's announcement around grater land use flexibility. 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.

Doubling funding for the QEII National Trust would be the best bang for buck conservation investment the next Government could make, Federated Farmers says. The National Party recently announced it will double the trust's funding if it's part of the next Government. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's one of the biggest days on the agricultural calendar, with Fieldays opening its gates. Good weather is forecast for the four-day event at Hamilton's Mystery Creek. There are more than 1000 exhibitors - highlighting the latest agriculture tech and innovation. Karl Dean from Federated Farmers tells Francesca Rudkin what Fieldays is all about. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Andrew Clay and Sarah Perriam-Lampp. First up, Federated Farmers are pushing for loosened regulations this election year, in a pitch they say could keep food costs down. Then, some Hamiltonians are getting fed up with local buskers - so much so, that the council is considering creating busking zones.

Federated Farmers has launched a five-point plan for the next government, setting out what it says should be a major focus for political parties heading into the November election. President Wayne Langford says the organisation’s election platform, Backing Kiwi Farmers, is a practical blueprint for whichever parties form the next government.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers has launched a five-point plan setting out what it says should be the major focuses for the next Government. The plan focuses on reducing farming cost, enabling technology and infrastructure, empowering community conservation, supporting young farmers, and fixing local government. Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford told Heather du Plessis-Allan that a thriving farming sector is a thriving country. "If we want to get the cost of food down then we've got to take this cost out of farming because that's obviously where the food comes from." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Agricultural lobby Federated Farmers have a lot to celebrate in the last parliamentary term. Their 2023 election policy priority list has almost all been picked up by the coalition government, with projects like revised freshwater rules, rethinking forestry incentives in the Emissions Trading Scheme, and scrapping the Labour government's 'ute tax' all achieved in the past three years. Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford joins Q+A to announce the new, 25-point election wishlist, which he says is for any political party willing to work with the group. Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

Federated Farmers swing big for Election 2026 Agricultural lobby Federated Farmers have a lot to celebrate in the last parliamentary term. Their 2023 election policy priority list has almost all been picked up by the coalition government, with projects like revised freshwater rules, rethinking forestry incentives in the Emissions Trading Scheme, and scrapping the Labour government's 'ute tax' all achieved in the past three years. Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford joins Q+A to announce the new, 25-point election wishlist, which he says is for any political party willing to work with the group. Could Christchurch terror attack have been stopped? He told us what he was going to do: that's the stark conclusion of two extremism researchers who've uncovered previously unreported public communications from the Christchurch terrorist in the years leading up to the 2019 March 15 attack. Researchers Chris Wilson and Michal Dziwulski say the Royal Commission into March 15 failed to ask some of the most important questions after the attack - and whether it might have been prevented - and reached conclusions about Brenton Tarrant that were not supported by evidence. How three AI-linked IPOs could reshape economy When Elon Musk's Space X is listed on the NASDAQ, it's set to be the biggest IPO in history - valuing the company at $3 trillion New Zealand dollars. Two AI giants, Anthropic and Open AI, have also signalled they'll list in the coming months. Jonty Kelt, the founder at Fantail Ventures, Q+A to preview the historic launches. Election deadline rapidly approaching for small parties Any political parties wanting to contest the 2026 general election in November need to have their registration papers submitted by the end of this week. Political hopefuls - and returning hopefuls like the Alliance party - are rallying to get the required 500 financial members in time. Whena Owen reports for Q+A, meeting a set of smaller parties vying for the chance to win party votes. Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

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

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

The wool sector is continuing its rebound. The latest auction prices are sitting around $6.80 a kilo – the best returns in 15 years. Strong demand and low global supply are driving the recovery. Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chair Richard Dawkins told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the rising cost of synthetics means they're no longer the cheap and reliable option. He says the pressures caused by the war in the Middle East won't last forever, but once people make a conscious decision to switch to wool and renewable fibres, they don't generally go back. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers is calling the potential Heartland–TSB merger an intriguing prospect. Heartland Bank has struck a deal to buy TSB for $620 million, pending consultation and regulatory approval. A new bank could formed by the end of the year. Fed Farmers banking spokesperson Mark Hooper told Francesca Rudkin it's ambitious, but breaking into the rural market will be challenging. He says given rural communities have suffered from poor service and dwindling facilities, it's an opportunity to combine the banks' strength and provide more support. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Farmers are wary of the opening milk price forecast. Fonterra's latest financial update puts the current season's midpoint payout forecast at $9.70. It's up slightly next season at $9.75, but signals it could end up as low as $8 or as high as $11, depending on global events. Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Karl Dean told Andrew Dickens farmers are optimistic, but cautious of the range. He says Fonterra's taking the easy route with the low point, but they've warned farmers of that. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

After years of pushing for more funding to tackle wilding pines, Federated Farmers’ pest spokesperson says today’s Government announcement is a breakthrough. The Government has committed an extra $79 million to wilding pine control over the next three years, taking the total commitment to $109 million, targeting some of the country’s worst-affected areas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

The President of Federated Farmers is back on the tools today in Greymouth, after his Italian “that’s amore” sojourn with Mrs YOLO. It’s AGM season for the Feds, with several women stepping up to the presidential plate in the provinces. Plus, we preview the PINZ Conference and Awards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Federated Farmers says New Zealand's sheep meat exports to the US are a win-win for both countries. Trade Minister Todd McClay has revealed he expects the US Government to announce a trade investigation into our lamb imports in the coming weeks, as a means to impose more tariffs. New Zealand exported more than $600 million of sheep meat to the US last year. Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chair Richard Dawkins told Ryan Bridge our exports compliment the US production season. He says it allows the American consumer to get a taste for lamb, which benefits the American producers as well. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has outlined who will get priority access to fuel if New Zealand should ever be forced to ration. It said Aotearoa continues to have sufficient fuel supply and it's highly unlikely it would need to prioritise supply. But phase four would be activated in case of a severe and prolonged disruption of fuel supply. David Birkett from Federated Farmers, Arable group chairperson and national board member spoke to Lisa Owen.

Federated Farmers’ local government spokeswoman on the prospect of some much-needed local body reform.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's newly released immigration policy includes a $6 daily levy on temporary work visas to help fund infrastructure. Federated Farmers employment spokesperson Karl Dean joined Mike Hosking to chat about the proposed changes and how they would impact our farming and agricultural industries. "We struggle to get skilled migrants now, they look at Australia, they look at Canada, they choose those over New Zealand. This is another barrier," Dean said. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Marlborough-based Federated Farmers meat and wool chair on wool prices and reinstating a wool levy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former Mid Canterbury president of Federated Farmers, and former national arable vice chairman, says, “We’re all on a no-exit road in arable at the moment. The return on capital is less than the cost of capital”. But is he going to convert to dairy farming? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Sarah Sparks and Jeremy Elwood. First up, is it crunch time for Christopher Luxon? Rumours of a coup are calling the Prime Minister's time in leadership into question. Former Labour Party Mike Williams brings his analysis. Then, Federated Farmers are taking issue with a requirement from Gore District Council to produce a cultural impact report when applying for resource consents.

The President of Federated Farmers is none too pleased with “Fair for Farmers”, which advocates for “one standard for all,” arguing that importing cheaper, less ethical products undermines local farmers who face higher compliance costs. But who is behind this campaign?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra shareholders are flush with cash this morning, after receiving their share of the sale of the company's consumer brands. Wayne Langford is a sixth-generation dairy farmer in Golden Bay, and the president of Federated Farmers. He spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The former president of Federated Farmers (2017-20) is now officially the new National candidate for West Coast/Tasman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers says farmers are experiencing fuel shortages, with some two to three weeks behind their normal fuel drops. The US and Iran have reached a two-week ceasefire, and negotiations are planned in Pakistan this week, on a longer term settlement. Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Karl Dean says there's no signs of this going away amid the ongoing uncertainty. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What was meant to be a bumper season for dairy farmers is now starting to look bleaker, as the war in the Middle East shows little sign of de-escalating. Canterbury sharemilker and Federated Farmers dairy chair Karl Dean spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Soaring diesel prices are forcing some farmers to change what they grow and how they grow it. Federated Farmers Arable Chair David Birkett spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

We ask Labour’s ag spokesperson why she was missing in action at last week’s Federated Farmers’ High Country Field Day. And will she finally come out with some ag policy in the election year? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federated Farmers High Country Field Day recently took place at Glenaray station in the Waikaia Valley. Over 280 visitors visited various sites across the farm to discuss the issues impacting New Zealand's rural sector. The Country's Jamie Mackay recapped the action, and speculated about the lack of Labour MPs at the event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a view Fonterra's strong result today is unlikely to climb much more. The dairy giant's reported a 2.8 percent rise in first-half net profit to $750 million. It's also announced a 20 cent lift in the farmgate milk price - and a $9.70 midpoint per kilo of milksolids. Federated Farmers Dairy Chair, Karl Dean, says given global uncertainty, he doesn't think the midpoint will reach $10. "The futures market is sitting around the $9.70-$9.80 mark, so Fonterra's got it pretty much where the futures are." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The President of Federated Farmers comments on his political aspirations, Mike Casey, the Rural Mental Health Fund announcement, and the PINZ Awards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Officials are calling out the Government for loosening KiwiSaver withdrawal rules in response to lobbying by Federated Farmers, rather than evidence-based advice. A newly-released Regulatory Impact Statement shows the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) opposed the Government's proposal to allow KiwiSaver withdrawals for farmland. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Chris Wikaira and Ali Jones. First up, food manufacturer Heinz Watties is closing three factories - and one of the products to go will be a New Zealand classic, Greggs Coffee. Dunedin historian Gregor Campbell joins the programme. Then, no one will get off scot-free as the global oil price steadily climbs. Federated Farmers arable chair David Birkett explains the impacts on the farming sector. And move-on orders are proving unpopular in the capital, with all five of Wellington's Mayors and community leaders signing on to an open letter against them. Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge joins Wallace.

Farmers say new KiwiSaver rules are a win for rural staff looking to buy property. Farm workers, rural teachers, police and defence personnel can now use KiwiSaver to buy their first home, or even a farm, due to the Government lifting a long-standing restriction. Previously, these workers were blocked because their jobs required living in employer-provided housing. Federated Farmers' Dairy Chair Karl Dean told Mike Hosking that there's about 50,000 farms nationwide, most with just one or two staff living onsite. He expects 10 to 20% to take this option. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.