Election Year Curse?
OPINION: The coalition Government seems to have chickened out when it comes to live animal exports by sea.
OPINION: Australia's new Labor Government has recorded its first backdown, just two weeks into office.
After speaking out against livestock exports while in opposition, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has revealed Labor will not ban the live sheep trade in this term of government.
Weeks before the federal election, Labor confirmed its plan to end Australia's A$92 million live sheep trade.
Now Albanese is quoted by ABC Rural as saying that "no one was envisaging a phase-out in this term of government".
"We recognise that the farmers who might be listening to your program work hard and they need to be respected."
As part of its Election 2026 coverage, Rural News asked political parties how they would help pull the arable sector out of the doldrums. Here's what they said:
Farmers are being encouraged to rethink how they manage waste on farm with the launch of ruralwastesorted.co.nz, a new website bringing together practical tips, real farmer experiences and resources.
New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) is celebrating the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) coming into force today, bringing New Zealand wine improved access to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
New Zealand’s red meat sector has welcomed the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement taking effect, which removes India’s 33% tariff on New Zealand sheepmeat.
More than 95 per cent of New Zealand’s forestry and wood exports to India can now enter tariff free as the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement comes into force today.
Federated Farmers is backing Feilding High School’s call to keep Agriculture and Horticultural Science as a standalone subject in Year 11.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.