Why Now Is the Time to Plan Farm Succession, Findex Says
OPINION: Succession and long-term planning are perennial topics because it is perpetually sidelined on busy farms.
Finance Minister Bill English says it turns out that the country is not as dependent on the dairy industry as we thought.
"We certainly benefited from its strength through 2009-10 when the dairy industry helped pull the country out of recession ," he says.
"Now we see a whole range of industries where there size is such when they grow as they are, it is taking the whole national economy forward."
English made the comments while opening the 2016 National Fieldays.
English singled out the horticulture industry and the sheep and beef industry as doing well.
He says the economy has pretty strong prospects because "it turns out we have a well balanced export sector".
"Of course there are risks out there; on any given day we can worry about whether the Chinese credit bubble will burst or whether Britain will leave the EU.
"Both of these things look a bit more likely this week than they did last week."
Federated Farmers says new legislation replacing the Resource Management Act will cut red tape, unlock investment and help grow New Zealand's export-led economy, after the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill passed their third reading in Parliament yesterday.
Leading figures from the major political parties will be questioned on their primary sector policies at the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton, on 30 September.
OPINION: Have a plan in place now!
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) says it welcomes the passage of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill, calling the bills a positive step for sheep and beef farmers.
A spate of southerly winds bringing cold temperatures has presented challenges for Taranaki dairy farmers.
Converting a longstanding cropping farm to dairy was the only way to ensure the land stayed in the family long term, says new dairy farmer Rod May.

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