Farm Safety Improves Through 'Incremental Gain', Says Birkett
Improving health and safety is about incremental gain rather than a sudden decision, says Leeston farmer and Federated Farmers health and safety spokesman David Birkett.
New research suggests the ag sector can unlock a $2.9 billion increase in profitability, not by farmers and growing more, but by making their farming systems simpler.
The ANZ research says a 5% lift in farm revenue, combined with a 5% reduction in costs, could unlock an estimated $2.9 billion increase in profitability across the dairy, red meat, kiwifruit, arable and pipfruit sectors.
Gains on farm could come from better use of information, more efficient inputs, targeted automation, and practical applications of agritech and AI can help businesses reduce friction, improve decision-making and strengthen resilience.
It's a big number, but it is built on small, achievable gains.
Better timing, less waste, clearer information, fewer repeated problems - those are the kinds of improvements that compound over time, says the bank.
According to a progress report on the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan (AHAP), New Zealand's horticulture sector is making real progress on the big issues facing growers.
A team effort that is paying dividends for the wider New Zealand economy.
A strong sense of community involvement is what propelled the Federated Farmers' North Canterbury president Bex Green to the honoured title of the Feds' Advocate of the Year 2026.
The country's second largest milk processor is warning against 'complacency' during a review of competition regulations in the dairy sector.
Oamaru-based livestock handling specialist Te Pari has bought Combi Clamp, the New Zealand manufacturer of Combi Clamp manual sheep handlers.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has admitted that a scheme bringing workers from Pacific nations to work on orchards has become too hard to navigate but says changes are coming.