increase font size
Your old mate notes that Fed Farmers Marlborough Philip Neal caused a bit of a stir recently when he claimed in a newsletter column that proposed new taxes being raised by the government would hurt farmers and benefit many who don’t deserve it.
In a rather blunt and un-PC message, Neal wrote: “Farmers are in danger of becoming an ATM industry, providing the Government with farmers’ hard-earned money so the Government can then redistribute money to those they perceive as the helpless and needy, but in my opinion, useless.”
Of course, Neal’s words were frowned upon by all sorts of do-gooders and Feds HQ had to also disown the column.
However, your old mate suggests Mr Neal was only telling a few home truths.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
Blueberries have the potential to become a major horticultural export, earning up to $150 million within the next three to five years.
Twenty five secondary school students from around New Zealand recently completed a three day residential programme designed to explore career opportunities across the food and fibre production supply chain.
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: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
