NEW FACES leading the two main meat processing cooperatives will prove the acid test of what’s really prevented industry reform to date, says one of the departing chief executives.

FUNDING FOR science and extension in the sheep and beef industry needs better coordination and Beef + Lamb NZ should step up, says a long-standing New Zealand Grassland Association member and scientist.

KIWIFRUIT’S ACHIEVEMENTS to date are not enough to sustain a competitive advantage and change is needed, says Zespri’s chief executive Lain Jager.

ORGANIC DAIRY farmers are being asked to do too many tricks for too small a treat, say disillusioned formerly certified organic dairy farmers.

INVERMAY AND AgResearch continue to be a worry. The Rural News headline ‘Call for head’s head’ reports that Minister Steven Joyce is referring stakeholder concerns about the Future Footprint Proposal (FFP) for Invermay to the AgResearch board. As the board approved the actions in the first place, the likelihood of anything changing is slim. 

CRITICS SAY the recent ‘It’s now or never’ Ruataniwha meeting organised by IrrigationNZ and Federated Farmers did not compare the operational set-up of Hawke’s Bay’s proposed irrigation scheme with others in New Zealand. 

Delegates attending the recent NZ Grasslands Association conference were told that the entire rural sector needs to work together to lift productivity if the challenge of doubling primary industry export value by 2025 is to be met. 

DONE RIGHT, sheep farms can compete with dairy, says Professor Tony Bywater, of Lincoln University’s faculty of agriculture and life sciences.

THE NEW Zealand Grassland Association held its 76th annual conference earlier this month, drawing 400 researchers, farmers and rural professionals to Alexandra for three days of scientific papers and field trips. 

JOHN DEERE is showing that a 300hp tractor need not be ungainly. Its new model 7290R was delivered last month to a Northland rural contractor by local dealer Cervus Equipment.