M.I.A.
OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is suspending all events due to Covid-19.
The decision is effective from tomorrow (18 March) and will last for at least the next two weeks.
“It is paramount we protect our food producers and the rest of the red meat supply chain to keep this important part of the New Zealand economy going,” says chief executive Sam McIvor.
“That’s why we are taking a cautious approach and made the difficult but sensible decision to suspend our events.
“The health of our farmers and our people is our top priority and we have a responsibility to New Zealand’s economy to take steps to mitigate the risk of infection.
“We are one of the industries that has so far been able to continue, and it is vital for our farmers and all New Zealanders that we take all measures to protect our second largest export sector and largest manufacturing employer.
“We are conscious, for example, that if a farmer gets infected, they have few options for getting assistance on their farm.
“With the Covid-19 pandemic rapidly evolving, we will be closely monitoring the situation.”
With the current situation in the European farm machinery market being described as difficult at best, it’s perhaps no surprise that the upcoming AgriSIMA 2026 agricultural machinery exhibition, scheduled for February 2026 at Paris-Nord Villepinte, has been cancelled.
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) has launched the first in-market activation of the refreshed Taste Pure Nature country-of-origin brand with an exclusive pop-up restaurant experience in Shanghai.
Jayna Wadsworth, daughter of the late New Zealand wicketkeeper Ken Wadsworth, has launched an auction of cricket memorabilia to raise funds for I Am Hope's youth mental health work.
As we move into the 2025/26 growing season, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that the third quarter results for the year to date is showing that the stagnated tractor market of the last 18 months is showing signs of recovery.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is urging dairy farmers to participate in the 2026 Levy vote, to be held early next year.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling for nominations for director roles in the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island electoral districts.

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