Federated Farmers Praises Labour's Emissions Tax Backdown
For the first time in a quarter of a century, Federated Farmers has something positive to say about the Labour Party’s climate change policy leading into a general election.
OPINION: In Ireland, climate change is also causing issues for farmers.
European governments have been targeting the agriculture industry for several years. The Telegraph reports that Ireland's government may need to reduce that country's cattle herds by 200,000 cows over the next three years to meet climate targets.
According to reports seen by the Irish Independent, to meet the ambitious climate targets, the Irish government has proposed putting up EUR 600 million to pay for the culling of 65,000 cows per year over a three-year period.
The Irish government intends to have the country functioning with zero carbon emissions by 2050. In order to meet such lofty aims, 10% of all livestock in Ireland would need to be "displaced" in the years ahead.
Predictably, Irish farmers are unconvinced by the notion of a mass culling.
Synlait has swung to second-half profit as operations stabilise, but the dairy processor still posted a $75.4m annual loss.
LIC shareholders have elected a new North Island representative to the co-operative's Board, along with five representatives to its Shareholder Reference Group (SRG), following the company's Annual Meeting held in Invercargill.
Farmers across parts of Southland and South Otago are continuing to deal with difficult conditions after a prolonged run of wet weather, with pressure building around feed supply, stock management, pasture damage, farm infrastructure and everyday workloads.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes Labour's commitment to reviewing the Sharemilking Agreements Act, calling on other major parties to do the same.
For Canterbury dairy farmers Sian Meijer and Rick Wobben, wearable technology has become one of their most valuable on-farm tools - helping manage 1850 cows across an expansive, high-performing dairy operation while improving efficiency, mating outcomes and day-to-day decision making.
Fonterra has unveiled its annual results for the 2026 financial year, posting $27 billion in revenue and close to $20 billion returned to New Zealand farmer owners and unit holders.