Editorial: Punching Above Our Weight
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
EU dairy exports rose 6% in May (22,000MT) vs the same month in the previous year.
Fonterra says increases were seen in all major dairy categories, excluding SMP which fell 27%.
The EU’s two largest export categories, fluid and fresh dairy and cheese, both rose 17%. Exports are up 12% (551,000MT) for the 12 months to May vs the same period last year. Export increases are seen in fluid and fresh dairy (+27%), cheese (+12%) and whey powder (+11%).
US dairy exports in June rose 2% (4000MT) vs the same month in the previous year. A fall in the major export categories of SMP, lactose and cheese were offset by rises in whey powder, WMP and WPC/WPI, up a combined 16,000 MT.
Asia (excluding China) dairy import volumes rose 7% (25,000MT) in May vs the same month the previous year. Significant rises in fluid and fresh dairy and whey powder (+26%) and WMP (+20%) were partially offset by falls in SMP, cheese and lactose. Imports for the 12 months to May are up 2% (91,000MT) vs the same period in the previous year.
China dairy imports rose 9% (16,000MT) in July vs the same month last year. Big rises in fluid and fresh dairy and cheese, both up 37%, were partially offset by falls in SMP, whey powder and lactose.
The largest contributions to China’s growth have been fluid and fresh dairy and infant formula.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
OPINION: The Irish dairy sector is facing a new dilemma - maintaining year-round fresh milk supplies.
OPINION: Could beef cows play an increasingly important role in improving profitability and resilience on hill country farms?