Farming Leader Katie Milne Steps into Politics for National
Former Federated Farmers president Katie Milne is National’s candidate for the West Coast- Tasman seat in this year’s general election.
National’s Agriculture spokesperson, Todd Muller is urging banks to better support farmers amid the Covid-19 outbreak.
Muller says farmers are providing some much-needed stability to the economy otherwise suffering from Covid-19.
He says banks can support the economy by looking at new ways to support farmers amid the pandemic.
“Our food producers are critically important in times like this. No matter how challenging the global environment, people need to eat and our superb farming families give us a competitive advantage and the capacity to trade ourselves out of a recession,” says Muller.
“While red meat and dairy exports remain strong, the effects of drought are continuing to hammer farmers and many are struggling to pay the bills.
“I think our banks should provide these farmers with some assistance by allowing overdraft extensions. Working capital is vital for farmers to be able to keep their stock in good condition to enable them to maintain strong levels of production next season.
“It’s important for the entire country that our primary sector remains in good health. It is a vital part of our economy and New Zealand needs it to perform to weather this crisis.”
Zespri's sales of kiwifruit for the 2025 season have broken all past records.
Trainee orchard manager Luke St John has won the Central Otago 2026 Young Grower regional title.
James Blair, an agronomist for AS Wilcox, has won the 2026 Pukekohe Young Grower regional title.
Fifty-eight selected individuals, companies, and start-ups will exhibit their ideas and cutting-edge solutions at the 2026 Fieldays Innovation Awards, with Amazon Web Services (AWS), who joins the programme in 2026 as overall sponsor.
A rare piece of New Zealand adventure history will be on display at this year’s Fieldays, with a pair of socks worn by the late Sir Edmund Hillary to take pride of place at the Norsewear site this June.
This month's National Fieldays will again display a strong international flavour, with more exhibitors and overseas delegations in attendance.

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