Farmers Weekly Podcast

(00:00:00) Full Show | November 13 (00:02:19) Rain brings renewed interest in store livestock market (00:12:45) El Niño could shape summer on and off the farm (00:33:42) Federated Farmers looks ahead as special votes are counted This week, WeatherWatch founder Phil Duncan joins Richard to explore how El Niño could shape summer, from conditions on the farm to holiday plans. AgriHQ’s Suz Bremner als...

WeatherWatch founder and weather expert Phil Duncan joins Richard to unpack what El Niño could mean for New Zealand this summer, drawing on his forecasting expertise to explore the potential impacts on farm production, seasonal weather patterns and holiday plans.

AgriHQ livestock analyst Suz Bremner provides insight on how widespread rain has lifted farmer confidence and renewed interest in store livestock.

Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst reflects on the post-election landscape, National’s support among provincial voters and their hopes for unfinished policy work to be completed in a second term.

This week, Tabula chief executive Michael Whittaker reflects on 20 years of helping farmers work smarter. AgriHQ’s Alex Coddington examines strong store lamb prices, Richard Rennie unpacks the Tairāwhiti land-use probe, and Federated Farmers’ Greg Anderson welcomes the return of agriculture and horticulture to Year 11.

Bryan chats to Tabula chief executive Michael Whittaker about the company’s 20th anniversary. Formerly Tracmap, Tabula provides contractors and farmers with precise GPS tools to help them apply fertiliser efficiently. It now also uses the technology to help firefighters battle wildfires more efficiently.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie joins Bryan to discuss a recent report into the Gisborne District Council. It had commissioned Chris Finlayson to take a look at its land-use policies following criticism from the forestry sector.

AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington takes a look at the early season store lamb market. She says Early market prices this year are sitting well above historical averages, as they do most years, but this kind of inflation has also never been sustainable.

Federated Farmers’ Greg Anderson says the government has made the right decision in restoring agriculture and horticulture as a year 11 subject. Feds was part of a chorus of voices calling for a reversal, after it was removed from the curriculum.

Senior reporters Neal Wallace and Richard Rennie join Bryan to discuss their recent trips abroad. Richard visited India and found that our wool is still in high demand. Price consistency was something that Indian textile companies were looking for, as recent volatility was difficult to navigate. Neal says animal protein is going great guns in Europe and the United Kingdom as GLP-1 drugs and a grow...

Senior reporters Neal Wallace and Richard Rennie join Bryan to discuss their recent trips abroad. Richard visited India and found that our wool is still in high demand. Price consistency was something that Indian textile companies were looking for, as recent volatility was difficult to navigate. Neal says animal protein is going great guns in Europe and the United Kingdom as GLP-1 drugs and a grow...

With El Niño on the horizon and lots of cattle on offer, AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie says buyers are being very selective about the cattle they buy. They’re looking for stock that will hold their value should they need to move them on if the dry hits.

Federated Farmers’ Mark Hooper discusses the new voter guide Feds has released, which marks political parties against the farming lobby group’s election manifesto.

This week, Elite Wool Industry Training’s Tom Wilson explains how new training is improving animal welfare and sheep handling, AgriHQ’s Alex Coddington looks at strong early lamb sales in Hawke’s Bay and what they signal for the season ahead, and Federated Farmers’ Mark Hooper unpacks Labour’s freshwater policies and the importance of farmer engagement.

More than 480 wool harvesting workers have completed animal welfare training. Elite Wool Industry Training director Tom Wilson explains how the industry is improving sheep handling.

Early lamb sales in Hawke’s Bay have exceeded expectations. AgriHQ’s Alex Coddington looks at the strong prices setting the tone for the season ahead.

Federated Farmers’ Mark Hooper joins the studio to reflect on Labour’s freshwater policies, changing approaches and the importance of constructive engagement with farmers.

This week, Beef + Lamb NZ Inc’s Kit Arkwright and Rod Slater reflect on 40 years of promoting red meat. Farmers Weekly’s Neal Wallace explores whether leaving the Paris Accord could threaten NZ’s EU trade deal, and AgriHQ’s Sara Hilhorst explains El Niño’s potential impact on cattle buyers.

Bryan is joined by Beef + Lamb NZ Inc’s current and former bosses – Kit Arkwright and Rod Slater – to talk about the organisation’s work. They cover everything from the Iron Maidens to the protein wars with chicken, pork and alternative meats.

Senior reporter Neal Wallace is in Europe, and says officials there have told him the European Commission would take a dim view of any move to exit the Paris Accord. They said the climate commitments are baked into the NZ-EU FTA and would be enforced.

AgriHQ analyst Sara Hilhorst says this year’s weaner market could be a bit different to previous years, as despite beef prices being at record highs, the impending El Niño is forcing buyers to be more picky about the quality of stock they purchase.

Bryan is joined by Irrigation NZ chief executive Karen Williams and Federated Farmers board member Richard Dawkins to discuss how water security is the key to farming’s future. They say a long-term strategy to build the infrastructure to collect and store water will nurture our communities and economy.

This week, what comes next for growers and farmers on the Heretaunga Plains as wine tastes change and water determines their options? Featured guest, Farmers Weekly reporter Rebecca Greaves, explores the Hawke's Bay’s changing landscape. Farmers Weekly’s Richard Rennie also previews his visit to India’s biggest textile and carpet expo; AgriHQ’s Alex Coddington reports on strong Feilding store catt...

Reporter Rebecca Greaves joins the show to discuss the special report on the changing landscape in the Bay. With consumer preferences reshaping viticulture, growers and farmers are looking for the next land use to adopt. But it all comes down to one variable – water.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie previews his upcoming visit to India, where he’ll attend its biggest textile and carpet expo. New Zealand’s wool is in demand there, valued for its strength and length.