Fieldays hold out the begging bowl
OPINION: When someone says “we don’t want a handout, we need a hand up” it usually means they have both palms out and they want your money.
Prime Minister John Key (right) with Irish Ambassador Noel White at the National Fieldays this year.
Irish farm machinery sales are now a commonplace in New Zealand, as shown by the Irish presence at the National Fieldays.
In June 17 Irish companies exhibited, either via the Enterprise Ireland site and distributor sites. Confirmed sales exceed $1 million, and leads could yield $5m in sales.
Enterprise Ireland director for Australasia, Mary Kinnane, is delighted: “We’re proud of the relationship developed by these companies and the Fieldays event.
“Kiwi farmers are quick to see the value and improvements in efficiency this Irish-made machinery can offer. The event allows new and innovative Irish companies to show their products to the NZ market.”
Fieldays chief excecutive Jon Calder says, “we’re delighted to have welcomed 17 Irish companies and are proud of the relationships developed over the last nine years. We look forward to continuing to grow these links.”
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
Alliance Group has commissioned a new heat pump system at its Mataura processing plant in Southland.
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.
Meat processors are hopeful that the additional 15% tariff on lamb exports to the US will also come off.
Fears of a serious early drought in Hawke’s Bay have been allayed – for the moment at least.