Be afraid
OPINION: Your old mate hears some of the recent uptick in farmer confidence has slipped since the political polls started leading a bit to the left, away from the current coalition of National, Act and NZ First.
OPINION: This old mutt understands that MPI and agri industr bodies had to do a fair bit of scrambling to shoot down rumours circulating about China shutting its borders to NZ and Australian products over concerns about foot-and-mouth disease.
The Australian Financial Review quoted a Chinese news report that Beijing had announced a temporary suspension of agricultural imports from both countries.
"We are aware of the rumour. There does not appear to be anything behind it," the Dairy Companies Association of NZ (DCANZ) said in statement.
Meanwhile, a representative from the meat sector described the claims as a "false alarm".
MPI also closed ranks with the industry with a spokesperson saying: "New Zealand exports to China are continuing as normal."
It is good to see a quick, solid and strong response from these outfits.
A brilliant result and great news for growers and regional economies. That's how horticulture sector leaders are describing the news that sector exports for the year ended June 30 will reach $8.4 billion - an increase of 19% on last year and is forecast to hit close to $10 billion in 2029.
Funding is proving crucial for predator control despite a broken model reliant on the goodwill of volunteers.
A major milestone on New Zealand's unique journey to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis could come before the end of this year.
We're working through it, and we'll get to it.
The debate around New Zealand's future in the Paris Agreement is heating up.
A technical lab manager for Apata, Phoebe Scherer, has won the Bay of Plenty 2025 Young Grower regional title.