Woolworks scour reopens after $50m rebuild
The world’s largest wool processing facility, badly damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle over one year ago, has re-opened following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project.
Cyclone Gabrielle has had a major impact on the country's forecast apple harvest for the coming season.
Apple and Pears NZ has re-estimated the nation's pipfruit crop after Cyclone Gabrielle cut a swathe through many parts of the East Coast of the North Island's pipfruit growing region.
Apple and Pears NZ chair Richard Punter says the overall New Zealand crop is estimated to be down 21% on the original January crop estimate - resulting in a volume of 16.1 million TCEs (tray carton equivalent). This does not include the Tairāwhiti Gisborne crop re-estimates, which are yet to be completed.
Punter says both Central Otago and Nelson/Tasman have experienced good growing and harvest conditions and are on track to meet forecast crop expectations.
However, Punter warns that on the East Coast, there is a clear distinction between blocks that have been significantly and severely affected by the storm, and blocks that are untouched.
"For unaffected blocks, the remaining crop harvest is well underway, and conditions for the remaining harvest period look good," he says.
"However, as a result of the storm, the Hawke's Bay pipfruit crop is down by 33%. This represents a reduction of 4.3 million TCEs in the Hawke's Bay region."
Punter says these estimated crop reductions are across the range of varieties grown in the region;.
"While the overall New Zealand crop is down, exporters will provide a premium product to the market by ensuring only the best quality apples and pears are placed in the carton, as they do every year," Punter concludes.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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