Damien O’Connor: NZ united on global trade
When it comes to international trade, politicians from all sides of the aisle are united, says Labour's trade spokesman Damien O'Connor.
OPINION: The Hound is astounded at the sheer audacity and bottle of (outgoing?) Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor and his ability to bury his head in the sand.
In a pre-election interview, the long-time West Coast MP claimed that "The Government is not to blame for on-farm pressures".
O'Connor conveniently ignored all the regulations and red tape introduced under his watch - like low slope rules, freshwater reforms, proposed carbon pricing and biodiversity plans, to name but a few - which have added to costs and huge pressure on the country's farmers.
Instead, he went on to blame Covid and the Russo-Ukrainian war for all the woes farmers are presently facing.
If ever there was an example of why O'Connor and his Labour colleagues are out of answers, ideas and time and should be out of office, this is it!
Dannevirke farmer Dan Billing has been announced as the new national chair of Beef + Lamb New Zealand's (B+LNZ) Farmer Council.
A Mid Canterbury beef farm has unlocked a new market for its products thanks to its unusual beef breed, and an award-winning pie taking the district by storm.
The number of beef straws going into dairy cows is on the increase, according to LIC beef genetics product lead Paul Charteris.
OPINION: Farmers along the east coast of both islands are being urged to start planning for drought as recent nor'west winds have left soil moisture levels depleted.
European growers are playing a key role in ensuring Kiwifruit marketer Zespri has year-round supply of high-quality fruit for consumers.
ANZ's chief executive Antonia Watson says agriculture has proven to be “a shining light” for New Zealand’s economy.

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