Free workshops to bolster farmer financial skills
Free workshops are being offered around the country to help farmers take more ownership of their farm business finances.
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.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.
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