Federated Farmers hails rural banking report
Federated Farmers says the final report into banking competition is a significant step forward for rural New Zealand - and a vindication of the farming sector's concern.
OPINION: On top of the rural banking inquiry, several as-yet-unnamed banks are facing a complaint to the Financial Markets Authority over their role in a government bond sale.
A similar case is underway in Australia as its corporate regulator ASIC investigates alleged manipulation of Aussie government debt.
Like yours truly, readers probably won’t be able to squeeze out a tear for the banks.
One farmer sent the Hound his own rules for dealing with banks: “Rule no.1 – They are not our friends. Rule no.2 – Refer to rule no.1.”
As the banks prep for the coming inquiry, they may feel it’s unwarranted.
But the evidence, anecdotal and from recent surveys, show that our friends in finance have a real perception problem with farmers that they need to address.
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.

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One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…