Tuesday, 18 February 2025 11:25

Farmer vote

Written by Milking It

font size decrease font size increase font size

OPINION: The coalition Government, already under the pump thanks to poor polling numbers, is facing the ire of its traditional support base – dairy and red meat farmers.

It’s all to do with plans outlined by the Government to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Some farmers – including the firebrand lobby Groundswell – are spitting tacks over Climate Change Minister Simon Watts’ announcement that New Zealand will reduce emissions by 51 to 55% compared to 2005 levels, by 2035.

Sensing the mood among farmers, the ACT Party sent out a message to farmers saying, “We’ve heard you”.

ACT says it is determined not to sacrifice farmers and growers at the altar of the climate gods.

Can National afford to lose the farmer vote?

More like this

94% of NZ farmers oppose Paris Agreement, survey shows

A survey of 2000 farmers shows 94% of respondents believe that remaining in the Paris Agreement for climate change is not in the country's best interest.

Costs too high?

OPINION: This old mutt is loath to sound like Groundswell has been topping up his bowl with brisket off-cuts, but the ginger group makes a good point about the arguments raised in favour of toeing the Paris Agreement line.

Paris Agreement - in or out?

OPINION: Defenders of New Zealand remaining bound to the Paris Agreement typically run the same argument. They do not explain the benefits of remaining bound to Paris, because there are none. At least none that are certain and enduring.

Editorial: Changes to Paris deal

OPINION: Everyone wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.

ACT, farmers push for changes to Paris Agreement

The ACT Party's call for a better deal on the Paris Agreement on climate change is being backed by farmer organisations.

Featured

European agricultural machinery market faces challenges ahead of Agritechnica 2025

Like many manufacturers around the world, European agricultural machinery and tractor manufacturers are currently operating in a difficult market environment. But they are heading to the world’s largest agricultural machinery event in Hanover next month with a degree of cautious optimism.

John Deere Technician of the Year Awards 2025: Whangārei’s Bryce Dickson makes history with third win

Established in 2021, the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards champion the important contribution parts and service technicians make to the Australian and New Zealand agriculture, construction and forestry industries.

'One more push' to eliminate FE

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study aiming to build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across New Zealand.

TB plan review to focus on possum hot spots

New Zealand is closer to eradicating bovine TB than ever before, but possums remain a threat, says Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

Winston Peters questions Fonterra divestment plan

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.

Nestle reportedly withdraws from methane accord

The ACT Party says media reports that global dairy giant Nestle has withdrawn from the Dairy Methane Action Alliance shows why New Zealand needs to rethink its approach to climate.

National

Fonterra delivers $12.35 organic milk price

Fonterra has delivered a fifth straight year of record organic milk price for farmer suppliers.

Fonterra lifts milk forecast, reaffirms $10 payout

Fonterra says favourable weather conditions supporting pasture growth is boosting milk production.

Science and education key to ag’s future, says DairyNZ CEO

Science is pivotal to driving progress and unlocking opportunity and innovation in the ag sector, says DairyNZ chief executive and…

DairyNZ Chair: Dairy driving NZ’s economic recovery

DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown says history shows that when New Zealand needs an economic lift, dairy delivers.

Agriculture key to NZ’s future, says PM Luxon

There is nothing more important to New Zealand than agriculture, says Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Machinery & Products

New McHale terra drive axle option

Well-known for its Fusion baler wrapper combination, Irish manufacturer McHale has launched an interesting option at the recent Irish Ploughing…

Quad safety promoted as part of the product

It's hard to believe that quad bikes or ATVs have been around for about 50 years – even longer if…

Amazone unveils flagship spreader

With the price of fertiliser still significantly higher than 2024, there is an increased onus on ensuring its spread accurately at…

Sky Agriculture launches Sky Sonic precision planter

Sky Agriculture was formed in 2020, bringing together the well-known European brands of Sulky, Prolog and Sky, under the oversight…

Kverneland to debut Alentix fertiliser spreaders at Agritechnica

With Agritechnica just around the corner, it’s no surprise to see manufacturers drip-feed some information of new products worth a…