BNZ launches First Farm initiative to support aspiring dairy farmers
BNZ says it is backing aspiring dairy farmers through an innovative new initiative that helps make the first step to farm ownership or sharemilking a little easier.
Dave Handley says primary producers are encouraged by how important farming’s role will be in the country’s rebuild.
While most of New Zealand’s economy has taken a hit in the wake of Covid-19, the country’s primary sector has had a resurgence of confidence.
According to a new survey from the Bank of New Zealand – Shift Happens Agribusiness Survey – there has been a significant mindset change among NZ primary producers, with the vast majority excited about the sector’s prospects post Covid.
BNZ general manager agribusiness, Dave Handley, told Rural News the survey found that primary producers are encouraged by how important farming’s role will be in the country’s rebuild.
“A heightened awareness of essential services and food provision has increased understanding of what the primary sector means to New Zealand.”
Handley says the survey, conducted before and during the Covid-19 lockdown, found a huge shift in mindset of New Zealand’s primary producers.
“Their pre-Covid outlook improved from 58% to 89% positive about the sector’s pivotal role in supporting the New Zealand economy.”
The survey also found that less than 30% of primary producers had accessed government support during or after lockdown
“Farmers are excited about shouldering a large part of the responsibility to rebuild the economy and their prospects for the future,” Handley says.
He believes during lockdown many New Zealanders experienced limited options on the supermarket shelves and forced people to reconsider our food system and reconnect with the pasture-to-plate supply chain.
“More Kiwis now understand the important role of the primary sector and how it will steer the economy out of recession.”
Meanwhile, Handley believes New Zealand’s Covid-free status – coupled with its existing reputation for safe, sustainable, high quality food – will offer further opportunities for the primary sector.
“Consumers globally are hunting for health and seeking out items from countries that care for people, their environment and the products they produce,” he adds.
“Globally, New Zealand’s reputation is strong. We’ve beaten the virus, our economy has started up more quickly than others and our reputation for safe, high quality nutrition remains undented.”
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.

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