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OPINION: The Feds' latest banking survey shows that bankers are even less popular with farmers than they used to be, despite falling interest rates, and the report still paints a damning picture of rural lending.
Farmers want the Government to open available space in managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) to bring in much-needed workers for the primary industries.
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins estimates that the Australian quarantine-free travel bubble will free up 1,000 to 1,300 beds in MIQ a fortnight.
"MIQ spacing has been continually quoted as a barrier for getting the workers we need. With more beds becoming available, it should now allow those with agricultural skills to enter the country," Federated Farmers immigration spokesperson Chris Lewis says.
"With continued low unemployment and the majority of available workers remaining in the urban centres, all of the primary industries are crying out for labour."
Farm Source, a leading job website for the dairy industry, currently lists over 1,100 vacancies on farm, far higher than the usual numbers for this time of year, Lewis wrote.
The Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey found farmers' expectations for their own business operations had also improved, with the net reading on this measure lifting to +37% from +19% previously.
Confidence is flowing back into the farming sector on the back of higher dairy and meat prices, easing interest rates and a more farmer-friendly regulatory environment.
Ham has edged out lamb to become Kiwis’ top choice for their Christmas tables this year.
Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) has announced real estate company Bayleys will be the naming partner for its 2025 conference.
As New Zealand enters the summer months, rural insurer FMG is reminding farmers and growers to take extra care with a new campaign.
Hato Hone St John is urging Kiwis to have a safe summer this year.
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OPINION: A new study, published recently in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, adds to some existing evidence about…