Innovators need to step up
OPINION: Collaboration between farmers and industry innovators will be at the heart of helping New Zealand’s red meat sector move forward from one of its toughest years since the Global Financial Crisis.
The shipping crisis caused by Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea and problems with a lack of water in the Panama Canal appears to be deepening by the day.
Many of the ships heading to Europe with NZ produce are being forced to take the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope, adding an extra two weeks to the journey to some of NZ's major markets.
One of the companies affected is Silver Fern Farms and its GM sales, Peter Robinson, says they have been told that there appears to be no easy fix to the present situation.
"We've been told that disruption in the Red Sea area could continue for many months or even years," he told Rural News.
Robinson says shipping companies are passing on the cost of re-routing, resulting in additional supply-chain costs for product on the water. He says the Middle East is also affected, with the main port into Saudi Arabia in Jeddah virtually inaccessible. Instead ships are unloading at Damman Port in the Persian Gulf and carting containers inland an additional 1600km to their destinations, Robinson says.
"Empty containers must then be returned to Damman Port adding further costs to importers."
Robinson says Silver Fern Farms (SFF) is closely monitoring timeliness of refrigerated containers due to longer journeys on land and sea. He says while it has successfully managed container availability so farm, they are advised disruption in this region could continue.
Robinson adds that SFF will continue to work closely with its global freight partner Kotahi, to ensure the product they work so hard to produce can make it through to customers in the UK, Europe and Middle East.
The real winner of this year’s FMG Young Farmer Region-off have been the regional communities.
As calving approaches, farmers need to get their teams ready for what lies ahead in the coming months.
Feeling sluggish this winter? Then try some seasonal fruit, renowned for lifting mood, energy and immunity levels just when we need it most.
The missing link in getting maximum weight gain in your calves may be as simple as keeping them warm, says the Christchurch manufacturer of a range of woollen covers for young livestock.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) and Massey University are joining forces to help raise awareness and funds to combat leptospirosis.
Auckland-based supplement and nutritional company New Image International is celebrating 40 years of business in their home country.
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