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.
Your canine crusader notes that the woke folk at Landcorp – sorry Pāmu – were recently crowing about recording a net profit after tax of $68 million for the half-year ended 31 December 2019.
While this may look good on the surface, your old mate reckons it is not as flash as it seems. Actually, in real terms, the result for the half-year was a gain of $22 million.
However, once you strip away the $7m the state farmer slashed in costs and a one-off gain of $6m from the sale of its shares in Westland Dairy – then it is more like $13 million.
However, when you consider Landcorp’s total asset base is $2.16 billion – then it is a very poor return for taxpayers.
This further begs the question just how chief executive Steven Carden can justify an annual salary of $795,950 when his organisation’s return is so poor and why taxpayers are still lumbered with carrying this dog?
Coming in at a year-end total at 3088 units, a rise of around 10% over the 2806 total for 2024, the signs are that the New Zealand farm machinery industry is turning the corner after a difficult couple of years.
New Zealand's animal health industry has a new tool addressing a long-standing sustainability issue.
The Government has announced that ACC will be a sponsor of this year's FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition.
As veterinary student numbers grow to help address New Zealand's national workforce shortge, Massey University's School of Veterinary Science is inviting more veterinary practices to partner in training the next generation of vets.
South Island dairy farmers will soon be able to supply organic milk to Fonterra.
Norwood has announced the opening of a new Tasman dealership at Richmond near Nelson next month.

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