Hawke's Bay to the world
Rockit chief executive Mark O'Donnell says consumer awareness for the brand continues to improve each year.
HIGHER SHEEP and beef prices seem set to buffer the drop in export earnings from dairying, according to the latest economic update from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Not surprisingly MPI is forecasting a 9.5% drop in total export earnings to $34.6 billion for the 2014-15 season, caused by a 23.5% drop in dairy exports.
The report says meat and wool exports this season will rise by 6.4% to $8.611 billion and horticulture and seafood exports will rise, but forestry will drop.
Global beef prices are expected to stay high for the next two years, offering an opportunity for farmers. Current high prices will enable farmers to invest in the quality of their herds to target higher value from each animal, says MPI. The retention of dairy calves offers another opportunity.
On the dairy side, MPI is forecasting a $4.82/kgMS farmgate payout – higher than Fonterra’s latest forecast and much higher than predicted by many analysts. There is talk of a payout about $4.40kgMS.
Looking a year ahead, MPI forecasts that primary exports in 2015-16 will be $36.1 billion – up 4.3% on this season. This is based on an improved performance in all sectors including dairying.
There have been leadership changes at the Hamilton-based Dairy Goat Co-operative, which has been struggling financially in recent years.
OPINION: In recent years farmers have been crying foul of unworkable and expensive regulations.
Another 16 commercial beef farmers have been selected to take part in the Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme designed to help drive the uptake of genetics in the industry.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Kiwi exporters will be $100 million better off today as the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into force.
Making things simpler, not harder, for deer farmers in farm planning and coping with regulations is Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) industry capability manager John Ladley’s current focus.