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Rural resilience reflected in real estate sales

REINZ report a 56.4% rise in farm sales for the period ending November 2020.

Data released by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) shows a 56.4% rise in the number of farm sales for the three month-period ending November 2020.

Remarkable lambing in a challenging year

Despite Covid-19 restrictions, farmers achieved a near record lambing percentage according to a B+LNZ report.

Despite Covid-19-related processing restrictions and a widespread drought in the first half of 2020, sheep and beef farmers despite achieved a near record 130.3% lambing percentage, slightly lower than spring 2019 where 131% lambing was achieved.

Beef cattle continue to increase

The number of beef cattle has increased, according to data from Stats NZ.

The number of beef cattle increased for the fourth year in a row in 2020, while the national dairy herd and sheep flock have both continued to fall in recent years, Stats NZ said.

Shifting consumer priorities

Sustainability is predicted to become a top priority for consumers, says one expert.

A leading food and drink consumer researcher says Covid-19 has caused a significant shift in people's priorities when it comes to buying food - with sustainability now becoming a top priority.

Sustainability is top issue

The EU is expected to place strong emphasis on NZ's commitment to sustainability in any FTA that is finally negotiated. Image credit: Paul Sutherland Photography.

NZ's primary sector's strong commitment to sustainability holds the key to the country obtaining a quality, comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union.

Alliance demonstrates agility in tough year

Alliance chairman Murray Taggart called this year's farming season a 'challenging' one.

Shareholders at the Alliance Group Annual Meeting this week were told the cooperative showed agility in an unprecedented year as a result of Covid-19 and adverse weather events.

Call for new commissioner for animals

SAFE say that pigs suffered as a result of NAWAC's failure to uphold the law.

Animal rights group SAFE and the New Zealand Animal Law Association (NZALA) have written an open letter to the Prime Minister asking her to appoint a Commissioner for Animals.

Farmer optimism rises but sentiment still negative

Rabobank New Zealand chief executive Todd Charteris says while farmer confidence is at its highest level since 2019, the overall sentiment remains at net negative levels.

More farmers expect economic conditions to improve in the coming year, thanks to increased overseas demand for New Zealand milk and meat.

Paeroa engineering firm expands

National MP Scott Simpson and Alex Quinn at the opening of Quinn Engineering's new facility in Paeroa.

More than 250 people recently gathered at the Kerepehi Industrial Estate, near Paeroa, to celebrate the opening of the new premises of industry stalwart Quinn Engineering.