Rabobank cuts loan rate
Rabobank New Zealand will reduce the variable base rate on its rural loans by 0.5%, effective from 16 October 2024.
While dairy faces another tough year, Rabobank foresees a generally strong year ahead for most other agricultural sectors.
Rabobank general manager of Food & Agribusiness Research Tim Hunt says solid demand in key offshore markets, recent progress in export development and generally tight global supply is likely to bring another good year for New Zealand producers of beef, wool and horticultural products.
"While beef prices have lost some ground in recent months, they remain well above multi-year average levels, and are expected to receive support from a generally tight global market," he says, commenting on the banks Agribusiness Outlook 2016.
"Wool producers will face headwinds from cheap synthetic fibres, but see support from declining production in New Zealand and Australia."
Hunt says the wine industry was looking set for a better year in 2016, with improved climatic conditions likely to underpin an increase in production, average prices holding up well and good momentum for New Zealand product sales in the US and Chinese market.
"The trend in consumer preferences is positive for New Zealand wine, as we see a shift towards higher-priced wine and lighter styles," he says.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the relationship between New Zealand and the US will remain strong and enduring irrespective of changing administrations.
More than 200 people turned out on Thursday, November 21 to see what progress has been made on one of NZ's biggest and most comprehensive agriculture research programmes on regenerative agriculture.
The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) says securing more China label registrations and developing its own nutritional manufacturing capability are high on its agenda.
Stellar speakers, top-notch trade sites, innovation, technology and connections are all on offer at the 2025 East Coast Farming Expo being once again hosted in Wairoa in February.
As a guest of the Italian Trade Association, Rural News Group Machinery Editor Mark Daniel took the opportunity to make an early November dash to Bologna to the 46th EIMA exhibition.
Livestock can be bred for lower methane emissions while also improving productivity at a rate greater than what the industry is currently achieving, research has shown.
OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.
OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.