US helps offset weak Chinese market
Red meat exports topped $932 million during February, with demand from the US helping to offset the weak Chinese market.
Major New Zealand meat and dairy exporters say they are taking cybersecurity seriously.
While no major New Zealand meat or dairy processor has reported cybersecurity breaches, the recent crippling attack on the world's largest meat processor JBS shows that companies need to be prepared.
Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva says that while she can't comment specifically on the JBS situation, NZ's red meat industry takes the security of its systems extremely seriously.
"New Zealand's processing and exporting companies continue to invest in this area to ensure we are adequately prepared," Karapeeva told Rural News.
Fonterra chief information security officer Thomas Willig told Rural News that cybersecurity has become a common challenge for business globally.
"We have a cybersecurity strategy in place to minimise the likelihood of ransomware incidents, improve resiliency and mitigate negative impacts in the event of an attack."
Two weeks ago, JBS was forced to shutdown all its US beef plants, stalling output from facilities that supply almost a quarter of American supplies.
Dairy Companies of New Zealand (DCANZ) chief executive Kimberly Crewther says the increase in cyber crime is concerning for all businesses with the attacks on the Waikato District Health Board and JBS being just two examples.
She says dairy companies work individually with cyber security providers and DCANZ is not privy to the specifics of this engagement or individual company executives.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.