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.
Funding is proving crucial for predator control despite a broken model reliant on the goodwill of volunteers.
A major milestone on New Zealand's unique journey to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis could come before the end of this year.
We're working through it, and we'll get to it.
The debate around New Zealand's future in the Paris Agreement is heating up.
A technical lab manager for Apata, Phoebe Scherer, has won the Bay of Plenty 2025 Young Grower regional title.
Following heavy rain which caused flooding in parts of Nelson-Tasman and sewerage overflows in Marlborough, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging homeowners and tenants to be cautious when cleaning up and to take the right steps to support claims.