$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.”
New Zealand's red meat processing and exporting sector has welcomed the government's announcement of new work visas.
Fresh produce grower and exporter T&G Global has overturned last year’s dismal performance by reporting a half year net profit of $1.7 million.
One of New Zealand’s largest fertiliser plants could be forced to shut down for four months as uncertainty looms over gas supply.
Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is consulting on a proposal to ban weedkillers containing chlorthal-dimethyl (DCPA).
August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.
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