ASB launches new loan to help NZ farmers switch to solar power
As electricity prices soar, farmers appear to be looking for alternative energy sources.
The 2018 grape harvest has jumped on the 2017 level, according to the ASB Bank.
In its Commodities Weekly report, it says harvest was around 23,000 tonnes or 6% larger than last year’s.
A 4% lift in yield accounted for most of the lift in harvest. Regionally, the Waipara Valley has bounced back from last year’s difficulties, with the harvest up by over a third. I
In addition, the Hawkes Bay, Central Otago and Wairarapa all saw harvests jump by over 20%. Of the main wine regions, only Gisborne saw its harvest dip (by 20%), while Marlborough posted a modest 4% lift.
ASB says the larger harvest will support export volume and value growth this year.
In the year to May 2018, export values lifted 3.3% compared to the year earlier, mainly due to higher export volumes, with prices lifting just a touch.
“However, we expect this year’s larger harvest to put some downward pressure on prices. Also, given wine’s relative luxury status it is more likely to get see global demand soften in the fallout from trade tensions,’ the bank says.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
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