Wednesday, 01 July 2020 12:57

Fat chance

Written by  The Hound

OPINION: This old mutt has always believed that any hopes of a possible free trade deal – that is any good – between NZ and the EU were about as elusive as an honest politician.

The reality that the heavily subsidised farming sector of the EU would be open to competing against NZ farmers on a level playing field was always somewhat fanciful and unrealistic.

Speaking of which, Trade Minister David Parker still believes such a deal is possible, despite recent news of the miniscule offer the EU has made for allowing NZ dairy products into the trade block.

The Hound suggests, when Parker and/or his trade officials claim that NZ can do a free trade deal with the EU, punters mimic the wise counsel of Daryl Kerrigan – the patriarch of that Aussie movie classic ‘The Castle’ – and tell them they are ‘dreamin’!

Featured

Mixed results on GDT

The first Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction drew mixed results, with drop in powder prices and lift in butter and cheeses.

'Give hunters a say on conservation' - ACT

ACT Party conservation spokesperson Cameron Luxton is calling for legislation that would ensure hunters and fishers have representation on the Conservation Authority.

Farmer honoured with New Zealand Order of Merit

Hauraki Coromandel farmer Keith Trembath was recently awarded the title of Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in recognition of his contributions to public service, agriculture, and education.

National

RSE workers get immunised

Over 1,000 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers in the Hawke’s Bay have now been immunised against measles.

Machinery & Products

Batten Buddy - cleverly simple

Stopping livestock from escaping their environment is a “must do” for any farmers or landowners and at times can seem…

U10 Pro Highland a step up

A few weeks after driving the CF MOTO U10 Pro ‘entry level’ model, we’ve had a chance to test the…

LC70 - A no-nonsense work horse

As most vehicle manufacturers are designing, producing and delivering machines with features that would take us into the next decade,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Dark ages

OPINION: Before we all let The Green Party have at it with their 'bold' emissions reduction plan, the Hound thought…

Rhymes with?

OPINION: The Feds' latest banking survey shows that bankers are even less popular with farmers than they used to be,…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter