Tuesday, 23 February 2021 11:30

Great idea

Written by The Hound

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: Your old mate has long argued Landcorp’s farming business – Pamu – is a bigger dog than he is.

The state farmer’s latest result of $8 million for the half-year ended 31 December, 2020, shows its return on assets – managing 117 farms, 84 of which they own – makes it a terrible business for both the country and taxpayers.

However, a recent brilliant suggestion from North Otago farmer Grant Ludeman would kill two birds with the one stone.

He suggests that the Government order Pamu to completely destock all its farms and plant them in natives – making a huge contribution to decarbonising the country and meeting the CCC’s aim for a 15% reduction in NZ’s livestock numbers – as well as ridding the taxpayer of a poorly performing state business. Win, win!

More like this

Pāmu Appoints Dave Nuku as Associate Director

State farmer Pāmu (Landcorp) has announced Dave Nuku is its new Associate Director, joining the board as an observer from 1 March 2026.

State Farmer Delivers Solid Half-Year Result

State farmer Landcorp, trading as Pamu, is a forecasting a full-year net profit of around $100 million.

Pāmu Welcomes 2026 Apprentices as 100% of Pilot Cohort Secure Farm Roles

Pāmu has welcomed ten new apprentices into its 2026 intake, marking the second year of a scheme designed to equip the next generation of farmers with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for a thriving career in agriculture.

Beef Progeny Test 2025: Genetic insights for NZ beef industry

At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.

Beefing up: could this be a blueprint for the sector?

OPINION: Nearly half of New Zealand's four million dairy calves are processed early, representing not just a missed $1.2 billion opportunity, but a reputational risk for our export-driven agricultural sector.

Featured

Election 2026: Freshwater Protection at Centre of Fish & Game Manifesto

Fish & Game New Zealand has announced its election priorities in its Manifesto 2026.

FAR Urges Maize Growers to Check Crop Maturity Early for Optimal Silage Quality

With the forage maize harvest started in Northland and the Waikato, the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) is telling growers of later crops, or those further south, to start checking their maize crop maturity about three weeks prior to when they think they will start silage harvesting.

IrrigationNZ warns RMA reform may miss water needs

Irrigation NZ is warning that the government's Resource Management Act (RMA) reform risks falling short of its objectives unless water use for food production and water storage infrastructure are clearly recognised in the goals at the top of the new system.

Zespri Expands RubyRed™ Kiwifruit to 16 Markets as Volumes Surge

More than five million trays, or 18,000 tonnes, of Zespri’s RubyRed Kiwifruit will soon be available for consumers across 16 markets this season.

Rural Communities Receive Wellbeing Boost

The Government has announced its support for 18 community-based initiatives through its Rural Wellbeing Fund.

Pork Prices Hold Steady as Food Costs Rise Across New Zealand

New data shows that pork remains one of the more affordable meat options for New Zealand households at a time when grocery costs continue to put pressure on budgets.