Dairy sector profit still on the table, but margin gap tightens
DairyNZ’s latest Econ Tracker update shows most farms will still finish the season in a positive position, although the gap has narrowed compared with early season expectations.
DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel has come out swinging, accusing Groundswell of "circulating incorrect information" and "not getting the best outcome for farmers".
In a note last week to levypayers, van der Poel lambasted the lobby group for causing confusion and concern in rural communities.
"I assure you the HWEN process is still on track," van der Poel told farmers.
"The proposal submitted to Government continues to have the unanimous support of all 11 primary sector partners.”
He added that DairyNZ and other HWEN partners continued to meet regularly with Government to discuss recommendations and “hear their views”.
Groundswell’s Steve Cranston claims that the Government will replace the He Waka Eke Noa with a “cap and trade” scheme for agriculture.
A cap and trade scheme – like the Emissions Trading Scheme — requires each emitter to purchase units to allow a specific quantity of greenhouse gases to be emitted. Emissions units can be traded.
New Zealand needs a new healthcare model to address rising rates of obesity in rural communities, with the current system leaving many patients unable to access effective treatment or long-term support, warn GPs.
Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees
Third-generation Ashburton dairy farmers TJ and Mark Stewart are no strangers to adapting and evolving.
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride says the divestment of Mainland Group is their last significant asset sale and signals the end of structural changes.
Thirty years ago, as a young sharemilker, former Waikato farmer Snow Chubb realised he was bucking a trend when he started planting trees to provide shade for his cows, but he knew the animals would appreciate what he was doing.