Sheep & Beef Farm Conversion to Forestry Slows, Risk Remains
Conversions of sheep and beef farms to forestry have slowed, however new research from Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) suggests land of value for food production remains at risk.
OPINION: Your old mate is still somewhat gobsmacked by sheer stupidity and lack of understanding by Beef+Lamb NZ’s board in asking for a pay rise at this year’s annual meeting.
He also takes issue with chair Kate Acland’s rather spurious argument that BLNZ’s director fees are far lower that other comparable levy body board remuneration.
On first glance this may appear to be the case. However, even a little bit of research shows that BLNZ directors are not doing it so tough.
According to its 2023 annual report, DairyNZ’s chair receives around $95k annually and each farmer director around $50k.
Meanwhile, BLNZ’s chair gets $76k and each farmer director around $38k.
However, if you add in the director fees they also get as being directors of the NZ Meat Board – Acland’s stipend jumps to $107k a year and each farmer director to $55k.
For Taupiri dairy farmers Logan and Sian Dawson, their involvement in the NZ Dairy Industry Awards has been a key catalyst in the growth of their business - the experience helping shape how they approach the farm ownership pathway they are pursuing today.
West Otago dairy farmer Luke Kane has been awarded the 2026 Rabobank Dr John Morris Business Development Prize.
OPINION: As the general election approaches, political parties are churning out policies in the hope of attracting more votes.
An LIC bull, Tronnoco AR Sadio-ET S3F, bred by Tony and Keri O'Connor of Tronnoco Farming Co Ltd near Timaru, has won the 2026 Mahoe Trophy.
With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.

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OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…