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OPINION: As your old mate - as well as many in the sector - expected, the Budget had nothing in it for the country's all-important primary sector.
As Federated Farmers curtly pointed out that it asked for "absolutely nothing in this year's Budget, and it's safe to say the Government have exceeded our expectations on that front with no new spending for farmers".
Feds' acting president Wayne Langford said farmers weren't looking for a handout and were happy to stand on their own two feet.
However, he pointed out that his organisation wanted the Government to stop weighing farmers down with impractical, unpragmatic, and unfair regulations.
"We're still waiting for them to deliver on that second request."
Langford added that farmers were having to tighten their belts, count every penny and live within their means, but - unfortunately - the Government wasn't doing the same.
New figures show dairy farmers are not only holding on to their international workforce, but are also supporting those staff to step into higher-skilled roles on farm.
Federated Farmers has confirmed interim chief executive Mike Siermans to the role.
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to highlight the most troublesome farm pests – a serious issue that needs some urgent attention from the Beehive.
Farmers are welcoming the announcement of two new bills to replace the under-fire Resource Management Act.
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.
