RWNZ chief executive to step down
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) chief executive Gabrielle O’Brien will step down at the end of June.
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.”
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.
Rural trader PGG Wrightson has revised its operating earnings guidance, saying trading conditions have deteriorated since the last market update in February.
It's been a bumper season for maize and other supplements in the eastern Bay of Plenty.
Leading farmers from around New Zealand connected to share environmental stories and inspiration and build relationships at the Dairy Environment Leaders (DEL) national forum in Wellington last month.