Red Meat Sector Conference date unveiled
The Meat Industry Association (MIA) have announced the dates for the 2025 Red Meat Sector Conference.
The Primary Industries Minister needs to stand up for farmers during tough times rather than rolling over for banks.
So says Labour's Primary Industries spokesperson Damien O'Connor.
"Nathan Guy warned the Government wouldn't be bailing out farmers who can't pay their bills following the collapse in the dairy price," O'Connor says.
"The minister needs to show some leadership to the dairy industry, not just speak nicely about banks. The banks can explain their own actions.
"The absence of a strategic plan or direction for the sector – encouraged by taxpayer handouts through Primary Growth Partnerships – has led many farmers down a pathway to high debt and high costs.
"The collapse of the milk price has left 80% of farmers in a cash deficit while their returns continue to fall.
"New Zealand is no longer the lowest cost producer of milk or milk products. Our farmers need leadership that offers them a viable and sustainable business model so they remain in the industry.
"Facts and honest analysis of the international marketplace – not hype and hope from Nathan Guy and John Key – is desperately needed by a dairy farming sector reeling from widespread."
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.