Farmers Weekly Podcast

(00:00:00) Full Show | July 9 (00:01:52) Is America's beef boom starting to slow? (00:09:46) A closer look at Ingka’s new Hawke’s Bay forest (00:20:13) Red light for Green water policy Ingka Investments country manager Kelvin Meredith joins the Farmers Weekly Podcast to discuss the company's newest Hawke's Bay forest and its long-term approach to production forestry and sustainability. AgriHQ seni...

Ingka Investments country manager Kelvin Meredith showed Bryan around one of their new forest plantings in Central Hawke’s Bay. He says the company is committed to sustainability, being a good neighbour and producing high quality production timber.

AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad joins the show to discuss red meat pricing, noting that America’s voracious appetite for beef appears to be diminishing a little. While it won’t see prices fall off a cliff, it is definitely something to keep an eye on.

Federated Farmers’ national board member Mark Hooper says the Green Party’s freshwater policy is scientifically and economically illiterate, and would push up the price of food here in New Zealand. He says while everyone wants improved water quality, that doesn’t have to come at the cost of food affordability.

(00:00:00) Full Show | July 3 (00:01:33) Strong wool market reaches new highs (00:06:07) How Massey is helping solve the ag teacher shortage (00:14:47) Federated Farmers welcomes solar consent reforms This week: Strong wool prices have more than doubled over the past year. AgriHQ's Sara Hilhorst explains what's driving the remarkable rally. Feature guest Massey University Professor Paul Kenyo n di...

Head of Massey University’s School of Agriculture and Environment Professor Paul Kenyon joins the show to discuss a new micro-credential course programme being offered to secondary teachers that will help them teach agriculture and horticulture at high schools. More and more schools are offering these subjects but there is a shortage of teachers. He also gives an update on the enrolment situation...

AgriHQ analyst Sara Hilhorst says the strong wool season ended with the Fusca coarse fleece indicator more than doubling from last season, after continuing to strengthen throughout the year. The benchmark also made significant gains over the past two months, extending its steady upward trend.

Federated Farmers’ national board member Mark Hooper is applauding the National Party for its plan to make it much easier for farmers to install solar. The party plans to make it a permitted activity not requiring resource consent.

This week: Landfall Strategy Group’s Dr David Skilling discusses how businesses can adapt to ongoing geopolitical instability, higher capital costs and disrupted supply chains. EECA’s Chris McArthur outlines practical advice for farmers considering farm solar, drawing on demonstration farms across New Zealand. Federated Farmers’ West Coast president Simon Cameron argues farmers’ stewardship should...

Landfall Strategy Group’s senior adviser on geopolitics and economic policy, Dr David Skilling, joins the show to discuss the global geopolitical scene, saying we won’t see a return to normality and must adapt to ongoing conflict, a higher cost of capital and strained supply chains.

EECA’s farm solar boss Chris McArthur tells Bryan about the advice and assistance they offer farmers as they consider investing in farm solar systems. EECA has gathered a range of demonstration farms to provide ongoing updates on their journey across a range of farming systems and regions.

Federated Farmers’ West Coast president Simon Cameron says recent commentary about changes to the Conservation Act miss the point, and that it’s vital the farmers helping preserve our conservation estate are given the opportunity to do their work.

(00:00:00) Full Show | June 19 (00:01:33) Tight supply, strong demand for store lambs (00:07:30) Why PF Olsen and Forest 360 became Stand (00:19:23) What Federated Farmers wants from the next government This week’s Farmers Weekly podcast dives into the strong store lamb market, with AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner explaining why buyers are still chasing limited numbers and paying top dollar. We...

Big forestry companies PF Olsen and Forest 360 have merged to form Stand – a new forest management outfit. CEO Dan Gaddum joins Bryan to discuss why the merger occurred, what the company’s future looks like, and the state of the sector.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner says store lamb prices remain strong despite lower yarding volumes, with vendors benefiting as buyers compete to fill paddocks and capitalise on this year’s record-high lamb schedules.

Federated Farmers’ president Wayne Langford goes over the organisation’s five-point plan for the next government, which highlights reforms he says will help farming flourish. They include lowering the cost of production, investing in infrastructure, and helping the next generation of farmers.

(00:00:00) Full Show | June 12 (00:00:47) Fieldays through a student’s eyes (00:05:11) Quality cattle on offer at bull sales (00:13:00) Emissions reduction tools hit the accelerator (00:16:22) Feds celebrates QEII funds In this week’s episode, student ambassador Harriet Johnston shares her first impressions from Fieldays and what caught her eye. AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner reviews the early...

Bryan catches up with Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, about the new fund to help get emissions reduction tools into the hands of farmers. Wayne explains how the funding will work, and who might apply for it.

Farmers Weekly student ambassador Harriet Johnston reflects on the first day of Fieldays. The Lincoln University student is one of four student ambassadors who accompany Farmers Weekly to the big events in farming.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner wraps up the early bull sales, highlighting the quality of cattle on offer. Averages have been good and full clearances a feature.

Federated Farmers’ Bay of Plenty president Brent Mountford is over the moon after the government pledged to double the money the QEII trust uses to protect native plantings on New Zealand farms.

(00:00:00) Full Show | June 5 (00:01:56) Opportunities on the menu in Thailand (00:06:50) AgriHQ Insight | Can sheepmeat returns hold at record highs? (00:14:09) Rural real estate market finds momentum (00:31:59) Feds new Taranaki president focused on reform In this week’s Farmers Weekly podcast, Neal Wallace reports from Thailand after attending one of Asia’s largest food fairs, highlighting grow...

Senior reporter Richard Rennie talks with Duncan Ross of Bayleys about the resurgent real estate market. He highlights the return of dairy conversions, but says the strategy is different from previous booms.

Senior reporter Neal Wallace has just returned from Thailand, where he soaked in the food culture and attended one of the largest food fairs in the region. He says the nation of more than 50 million people holds many opportunities for NZ exporters.

AgriHQ analyst Mel Croad talks lamb and mutton this week, outlining the factors contributing to record farmgate returns. Export markets are maintaining demand at these high prices so far, but the next few months will be crucial to watch to get a gauge on whether those returns will be sustainable.