Bikinis in cowshed
OPINION: An animal activist organisation is calling for an investigation into the use of dairy cows in sexuallly explicit content posted on social media and adult entertainment subscription site OnlyFans.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) says the outlook for New Zealand primary industries is positive.
The strong growth forecast across most sectors and dairy prices expected to gradually increase over the next two years.
MPI Director of Sector Policy, Jarred Mair, says the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) shows that, overall, exports have returned to growth this year – providing a clear signal of the strength of our primary industries.
"New Zealand primary industry export revenue is estimated to reach over $36.7 billion in the year ending June 2016, supported by strong growth in horticulture and other primary sector exports and foods," says Mair.
Recent years have provided challenges for a number of our sectors, and underlined the highly competitive and dynamic markets we trade in.
For some sectors a drop in the New Zealand dollar has softened the impact of lower US dollar prices. Meanwhile on-farm, production across the primary sector has been relatively stable as El Nino conditions did not result in widespread drought.
"The dairy industry has responded decisively to the subdued outlook through consolidation of their businesses to improve productivity and manage their costs," says Mair.
"Dairy prices have remained weak as global supply is still abundant. New Zealand production is down marginally but export volumes are up. Production is still high in the EU [European Union], which is keeping downward pressure on prices.
"Overall there has been a 6% decline in the value of dairy exports in the past year, but an expected gradual price recovery should lead to increasing dairy export values looking out 2 to 3 years. Overall our forecasts show 34% growth out to 2020."
Mair says horticulture exports are expected to continue their run of impressive growth over the medium term.
Horticulture exports exceeded $5 billion for the first time in 2015/16. Kiwifruit exports hit record levels for the year to March 2016, and exports of wine, apples, and pears are increasing due to new plantings reaching maturity. As an example, apple and pear export revenue has doubled since 2012, estimated to reach almost $700 million for the year ending June 2016. Horticulture prices have also increased as New Zealand has maintained its position as a supplier of premium products.
"Strong growth is also being seen in exports of innovative processed foods, honey, live animal, and other products.
"The outlook for the primary sector is supported by industry's significant investments in processing capacity across the country in a range of sectors.
"Free trade agreements will also help grow our exports, while population growth and economic development throughout Asia will support increased demand for New Zealand's protein, horticulture, wood, and fibre products," says Mair.
From 1 October, new livestock movement restrictions will be introduced in parts of Central Otago dealing with infected possums spreading bovine TB to livestock.
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Award-winning boutique cheese company, Cranky Goat Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand has launched an AI-powered digital assistant to help farmers using the B+LNZ Knowledge Hub to create tailored answers and resources for their farming businesses.
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