Feds support live animal exports
Federated Farmers have reiterated their support for the coalition Government to abolish the present ban on the live export of animals.
Experienced trade negotiator Charles Finny believes reports relating to a free trade agreement with the UK are positive.
Finny says full credit should go to Agriculture and Trade Minister Damien O'Connor for this development.
"He has pretty much secured a really good deal with the UK off the back of what Australia has secured. As long as New Zealand can deliver a really good outcome on services and investment, then I think we are there."
Finny says the UK is looking like it could be a very exciting market for NZ companies that want to reinvest in that market. But he's not sure it is going to be as dominant as it was in the past.
He would like to see a really good deal with the EU as well. Finny doesn't want companies to focus entirely on the UK and forget about the EU. However, he concedes that the EU is "a longer term burn". That aside, he believes NZ should be trying very hard to get a deal done this year.
"What will be interesting is the quality of that deal compared with the UK deal, which - if it happens - will be very good for the NZ ag sector."
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…