Podcasts about Federated Farmers

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

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

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

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

Power is still out to many rural South Island properties. Just under six thousand are still cut off in Clutha and Southland, where States of Emergency continue. More than three-thousand weather-related insurance claims have been lodged so far. Federated Farmers Southland President Jason Herrick told Kerre Woodham that, 'people were helping one another and I'll tell you what, I'm hearing some stories out there of some real unsung heroes.' LISTEN ABOVESee 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.

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

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.

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

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

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Chris Irons, Federated Farmers Waitomo Chair, about the effects of heavy rain in the district this week, why he thinks there should be more incentives for farmers to produce quality red meat and his role as Chair of the Mid-North Island OSPRI Committee... He talks with Foodstuffs North Island Chief Executive Chris Quin about running a co-operative of more than 400 owner/operators, how its pricing model works for farmers and growers and what factors come into play when pricing goods for consumers... And he talks with REX Producer Jo Grigg about the Alliance Group shareholder vote on Monday, the pros and cons and whether she thinks the vote will go. 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 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.

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

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

Is it good enough that the victim of a nasty assault in Christchurch has had to hound the police for four weeks to find out what's going on with their investigation? This is someone who lost several teeth in the assault which happened in broad daylight inside The Palms shopping mall. Is it good enough? He and his family don't think so, saying today that it's left them feeling like they're the bad guys, when all they've wanted is to know what's going on. I'll come back to his story. And another one. But is it good enough? I don't think it is. But even though Canterbury Police have ditched their restructuring plans which would have had less cops based in areas like Amberley and Culverden and more cops based in growth areas like Rangiora and Rolleston, I don't see things changing anytime soon. The police obviously didn't bank on Federated Farmers getting fired up and organising public meetings, which led to 1,000 submissions against the proposals, which have now been ditched. But while Federated Farmers and people in places like Amberley and Culverden will be happy, it doesn't solve the problem for everyone else in Canterbury. The problem being: there's not enough cops. Which brings me back to the guy who was punched in the chops in broad daylight by a woman at The Palms four weeks ago. Matt Sherwood is his name. He's a baker —he runs his own business— and he was at the mall selling his products when a woman he didn't know put her groceries down on his table. He said “g'day” to her and she muttered something. But then went and opened a can of drink that started to fizz everywhere. All over Matt's stall. And, within seconds, she was yelling “f*** you man” and she hit him in the face. He lost six teeth and has been to the dentist multiple times, which has cost him thousands of dollars. But the bit that has left him really frustrated is the way he's had to hound the police for information. He's saying today: “Every single sort of point we get to, it's just like it's forced. I feel like I've done something wrong all the time. I would have liked some sort of timeline, and just to keep up with stuff and (have them) contact me and tell me the time frame.” The exact same story for someone else we've heard about. This person was assaulted in a public place, called the police the next day, and had to chase them for two weeks to get an initial phone conversation. After that, they had no further contact and after following up repeatedly, was eventually told by a police officer that they were “needy and desperate”. They felt that, as the victim, the onus was on them to chase the police, instead of the police coming to them. Which has left them feeling that their experience was minimised and that they weren't a priority. This is nowhere near good enough, in my book. See 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.

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

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

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.

Dairy farmers remain mindful of the chance of more tough times ahead. Fonterra's confirmed a final farmgate milk price of $10.16 for the past season, with earnings of 71 cents per share. But its midpoint forecast for this season remains at $10. Federated Farmers Dairy Board Chair Karl Dean told Francesca Rudkin farmers will be paying off debt and investing back into their farms after battling several years of high on-farm costs. He says they all understand costs may rise again, and incomes may drop. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A push for more work-based learning, to give food and fibre employers greater input on training. Key players like Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Federated Farmers have teamed up to demand an overhaul from the government. The sectors have released the Food and Fibre Workforce Capability Strategy. Forestry Owners' Association Chief Executive Elizabeth Heeg told Francesca Rudkin the strategy sets out a pathway to train the next generation of skilled workers. She says they want to work with the government to ensure the system prioritises capabilities and not just credentials. LISTEN ABOVE See 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.

Federated Farmers has been quick to label Environment Canterbury's decision to declare a nitrate emergency as a 'political stunt'. ECan recently carried a motion to declare the emergency at yesterday's meeting. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Jason Herrick from Southland Federated Farmers has raised concerns over Environment Southland's 'heavy-handed' approach to compliance. Herrick says these standards are creating unprecedented stress and financial pressure for farmers. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The president (and acting chief executive) of Federated Farmers on the issues of the farming day - calving, Paris, the All Blacks and Dr Mike Joy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The President of Federated Farmers comments on Dr Mike Joy’s ill-advised outburst. And when it comes to Paris, should we stay or should we go? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank's move to review banking capital rules has been welcomed by Federated Farmers. Banking spokesperson Mark Hooper says the stricter rules make it difficult for farmers to borrow money - and these changes will make things fairer. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers' banking spokesmen - past and present - say the Reserve Bank’s decision to review bank capital rules is the first step towards lower interest rates and fairer access to finance for farmers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers’ meat and wool chairman says there’s reason for hope that the strong wool industry has turned a corner - but farmers need to get in behind the change-makers. 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. 

Are we in for a wool revival? Industry leaders are meeting at a number of workshops next week, with the aim of driving up value. Stats show strong wool now makes up just 1-2% of gross farm income, compared to nearly 65% in the 1980s. Federated Farmers Wool Chair Richard Dawkins told Mike Hosking there's good collabroation happening between government, industry, and various initiatives to drive up value. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers says a report back to Parliament on the so-called "ban on carbon forestry" doesn’t go far enough to stop the march of pines across New Zealand’s productive farmland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a belief many farmers will be feeling disappointed and betrayed after a report to Parliament on the ban of carbon forestry. The Environment Select Committee's recommendations show carbon farms across productive farmland, won't be coming to a stop. Currently under the Emission Trading Scheme there's a ban on whole-farm conversions for land that's not used for beef and sheep farming. Federated Farmers forestry spokesperson Richard Dawkins told Mike Hosking this still puts beef and sheep at risk of full conversions. He says there's less export income without a productive meat industry. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's disappointment Canterbury communities weren't consulted on a proposal to shut down rural Police stations. Police are looking to reduce personnel, disestablishing some rural roles in favour of larger 24/7 hubs based in Rolleston and Rangiora. Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green told Mike Hosking the community's heard about it via the media. She says their Police live in their area and know their people, and if you lose that in a rural community it has a huge impact. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Canterbury farmer and former All Black discusses positivity in the primary sector. He also ponders why arable farmers may not be as confident in the recent Federated Farmers survey. And what is a “rural-rural divide”?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rabobank’s chief executive on achieving top of the class in the bank report cards from Federated Farmers. Plus, he discusses a funding boost for Catchment Communities Aotearoa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers is welcoming new Government proposals to make farm health and safety rules more practical - and grounded in real-world standards. The Government will spend two months consulting with farmers to determine whether farm kids are safe to do certain chores, including feeding animals, watering plants and collecting eggs. Federated Farmers' health and safety spokesperson David Birkett says farmers have raised questions - and the clarification would be useful. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers' latest six-monthly Farm Confidence Survey shows a big lift this year, rebounding from record lows 12 months ago. Federated Farmers President Wayne Langford spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A farm in Dannevirke was targeted by cattle rustlers and 65 hand reared calves were stolen. Federated Farmers Dairy Industry Group chairperson Karl Dean spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Federated Farmers’ new banking spokesman on the latest survey ranking the banks, which has revealed how the country’s biggest rural lenders are performing in the eyes of farmers, by ranking the banks from best to worst. Also, the Com/Com dismissed the Feds’ complaint on net-zero banking.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A battle's flared between Federated Farmers and Greenpeace. Federated Farmers says the activist group should be stripped of its charitable status for defacing Gore's iconic brown trout statue to highlight how dairy pollution's affected the town's water. A three-day do-not-drink notice was issued Friday, because of elevated nitrate levels. Southland Federated Farmers president, Jason Herrick, says Greenpeace should behave better. "What they were doing had the potential to destroy a pretty important monument in Gore." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They're being called blocks of yellow gold, and whether that be cheese or butter - they're getting most of the blame for blowing out the weekly food budget. Federated Farmers dairy chair Karl Dean spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Federated Farmers believes it could be years before some farms in the Tasman District fully recover from the devastating floods of the past two weeks. Nelson Federated Farmers president Kerry Irvine spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Farmers in Nelson and Tasman are reeling from a major weather event that's left some farms totally devastated. Ingrid Hipkiss spoke to Federated Farmers president Kerry Irvine.