Frontline biosecurity 'untouchable'
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has reiterated that 'frontline' biosecurity services within Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will not be cut under the Government's plan to reduce the public service.
Latest forecasts suggest New Zealand’s arable farmers have to date been less affected than other primary industry sectors by COVID-19 and the drought.
"It’s clear there are still locally-grown quality stock feed solutions available to farmers in regions hit by drought," Federated Farmers Arable chairperson Karen Williams says.
MPI’s just-released Situation Outlook Primary Industries (SOPI) report forecasts that arable production and export for the year ended June 2020 should see revenue increase by 10% to $260 million.
As well as a strong harvest, increased export volumes of clover seed to Europe and the UK, and vegetable seeds to Europe, Australia and the USA, are driving the lift in value.
"The overall harvest and quality of grain has been positive across New Zealand, despite hail that swept through Canterbury in November, and extensive flooding in Southland in early February," Williams said.
"Farmers had a good run at harvest with warm and dry weather in January and February but the variable weather of March has the potential to hold up harvest of later sown crops."
The next Arable Industry Marketing Initiative survey is due to be undertaken at the beginning of April, with results available at the start of May. These results will provide a more detailed illustration of harvest 2020 yields, sales and autumn planting intentions and will provide vital information on what is available domestically.
Straw, hay and grain is available to be transported where it is needed.
"Feds encourages farmers to work collectively within their own region to source bulk feed options. This approach could enable them to broker better transport deals."
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.
Rural trader PGG Wrightson has revised its operating earnings guidance, saying trading conditions have deteriorated since the last market update in February.
It's been a bumper season for maize and other supplements in the eastern Bay of Plenty.