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 reckons recent ‘research’ carried out by consultants PWC – claiming that ‘actively managed carbon forestry’ creates 25% more local jobs than sheep and beef farming on low productivity land – is about as accurate as a bent rifle.
The ‘research’ was conducted and paid for by an ‘independent’ group called the Climate Forestry Association, which consists of, among others, “foresters, consultants, and investors” who apparently “recognise that we are in a climate emergency and that forestry and forest management has a crucial role in combating climate change”.
So, no vested interests promoting this then – not!
The Hound reckons that if you believe these ridiculous claims being spruiked around various NZ media organisations on behalf of the CFA by an expensive public relations firm, then he has a very good bridge in Auckland that he can sell you!
Farmgate lamb prices are down by 8%, beef cattle by 4.5% and farm expenditure up by 4.2%.
Kiwifruit growers are watchful but remain optimistic as concerns around the potential effects of the El Niño weather pattern this season.
Almond hulls sourced from Australian orchards may have the potential to help New Zealand cows reduce emissions, boost milk yield and lower input costs.
Striking a balance between meeting the needs of industry to speed up approval time for products but on the other hand ensuring that risks are properly assessed.
Surprised, humbled and quite thrilled. That’s the reaction of James Allen, one of the founding partners and now chief executive of AgFirst, on being made a life member of the Institute of Rural Professionals.

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