US removes reciprocal tariff on NZ beef
Red meat farmers and processors are welcoming a US Government announcement - removing its reciprocal tariffs on a range of food products, including New Zealand beef.
More than 260 people gathered at Muller Station in Marlborough recently to celebrate the 2024 Westpac + OsGro Marlborough Farmer of the Year winner.
More than 260 people gathered at Muller Station in Marlborough recently to celebrate the 2024 Westpac + OsGro Marlborough Farmer of the Year winner.
Winners of the 2024 award, the Sattherwaite family hosted the event, showcasing their farming achievements.
The day began with a farm tour, where attendees had the opportunity to explore Muller Station and see firsthand how the family has achieved its production gains.
Steve and Mary Sattherwaite, owners of Muller Station, estimate that more than $4 million has gone into weed and pest control over the past two decades.
They describe this investment as non-negotiable.
Meanwhile, Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ) chair Kate Acland, who attended the event, describes the property as vast and impressive.
She says it has benefited from a depth of knowledge and passion from the two generations actively farming the land.
“What was even more impressive than their quality stock and excellent production figures was the absolute commitment and dedication to the management of this highly significant landscape and the biodiversity that sits within it,” Acland says.
Following the farm tour, attendees gathered back at the woolshed for speeches and celebrations, including an address from Acland who thanked hill country farmers.
“It’s important to recognise the excellent and critical role that our hill and high country farmers play in protecting our iconic landscapes, maintaining our indigenous biodiversity and managing invasive weed and pests,” she says.
B+LNZ is a sponsor of the Marlborough Farmer of the Year Award, powered by the B+LNZ Northern South Island Farmer Council.
B+LNZ extension manager for Tasman and Marlborough, Amanda Henderson says she was thrilled by the turnout.
“The Marlborough Farmer of the Year committee and Satterthwaite family put on a fantastic day, their time and effort into this event was reflected in the excellent turnout and a successful day enjoyed by all,” Henderson says.
“It was a real privilege to see a snapshot of high-country life at the Muller and the next generation being involved in the success of their farming business,” she says.
Three New Zealand agritech companies are set to join forces to help unlock the full potential of technology.
As the sector heads into the traditional peak period for injuries and fatalities, farmers are being urged to "take a moment".
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.

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