Red meat exports slump, thanks to China
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Red meat cooperative Alliance Group will be paying $5 million to some of its farmer shareholders.
The quarterly payments have been made to Alliance’s Platinum and Gold shareholders who supply 100% of their livestock to the company.
Farmers are paid an additional 10c/kg for each lamb, 6c/kg for a sheep, 8.5c/kg for cattle and 10c/kg for deer. The payments cover the period April-June 2020.
The latest distribution brings the total amount distributed to loyal shareholders for the 2019-20 season to $13 million.
Alliance Group chief executive, David Surveyor says the loyalty programme is an important part of the co-op’s strategy.
“Platinum and Gold shareholders receive a host of other benefits including priority processing, which is particularly important during challenging times such as droughts, and prioritised access to minimum price contracts. They can also take advantage of our free store stock facilitation service.
“Success for Alliance is processing our farmers’ livestock, keeping our people safe, preserving jobs and income, supporting our local communities and maximising prices in global markets.”
Meanwhile, farmers are being encouraged to register to attend Alliance Group’s 2020 Annual Roadshows over September and October. Twenty-three meetings will be held across the country, starting out in Omihi on 22 September and finishing in Cromwell on 20 October.
A year on and the problems created by Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle has largely dropped off the radar of media and politicians.
The European Union Ambassador says the new free trade agreement (FTA) between the bloc and New Zealand will bring significant benefits to both parties.
Less Wellington bureucracy and more local, on-farm common sense was the focus of recent meetings held in South Canterbury as part of the Government's National Woolshed tour program.
'A lot of interest and positive responses' appears to be the way farmers are viewing the Government's initiative to hold a series of woolshed meetings around the country.
A Southland farming leader wants the regional council to delay a proposed regional rates hike, much of which is intended to fund flood protection works.