Displaying items by tag: CORONAVIRUS

OPINION: When the Covid pandemic broke out over two years ago, Jacinda Ardern waxed lyrical about the importance of the rural-based primary sector and how it would pull the NZ economy through the tough times ahead. 

In a Covid-constrained season, where many horticulturists are struggling with the lack of labour, family-run Mill Orchard - at Loburn, just north of Rangiora - is enjoying a great harvest.

Meat workers are tired and fatigued with having to deal with Omicron in meat processing plants around the country.

Global dairy prices are retreating as Omicron takes hold in more Chinese cities, disrupting the world's biggest market.

Farmers are being told to expect further rises in fertiliser prices within weeks.

District Health Boards across New Zealand are kicking off a push to encourage people to get their flu jabs ahead of what is expected to be a tough winter.

Successive drops in the price of whole milk powder have prompted Fonterra to revise its forecast milk price for the season.

The Government has launched a plan to manage hospital waiting lists on a national scale, says Health Minister Andrew Little.

Farm nutrient supplier Ballance is managing the knock-on effects of Covid and the Ukraine war to maintain surety of supply for farmers and growers.

The Omicron outbreak in China that sent 400 million residents into lockdown is behind the latest drop in dairy prices, analysts say.