$150B farm succession challenge looms for NZ agriculture
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Rabobank is to open a second branch in Northland, at Dargaville. It has had a branch at Whangarei for 10 years.
Rabobank Northland branch manager Tessa Sutherland said the office is convenient and centrally located, allowing clients easy access.
“It has been a vision for some time and we are thrilled to be opening our new branch in Dargaville next week, starting off 2015 with a bang,” Sutherland says.
“The township is witnessing a new building taking shape and we are happy with the modern look and feel, as well as the state-of-the-art facilities our clients and staff will have.”
Sutherland, who has worked 11 years with Rabobank, previously managed the Whangarei branch. She will continue to operate from both branches, like other staff.
She claims the new branch firmly “cements” the commitment the bank is making to the region long-term.
“Our Northland team will continue to work together in both branches which will allow us to fully support our clients and to share knowledge of the overlapping agricultural areas.
“We will make the most of having the two offices to work from – it will be a flexible and welcoming arrangement.”
The new branch has room for eight staff.
“It’s a tricky time we are going into, regarding dairy prices, but we know the fundamentals are strong and we remain positive about dairy. Conversely, the sheep and beef sector is in excellent shape and prices are swinging in the right direction.
“We are here to help people through these agricultural cycles. That’s what we do.”
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
Environment Southland's catchment improvement funding is once again available for innovative landowners in need of a boost to get their project going.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
OPINION: The phasing out of copper network from communications is understandable.
Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.