Farmers Weekly Podcast

In this episode, AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner discusses record prices at North Island weaner fairs and the demand behind them. Rangitīkei MP Suze Redmayne explains proposed KiwiSaver changes aimed at helping rural workers into property, while Federated Farmers’ Danielle Hovmand outlines why the sector has pushed for the reforms and what they could mean for young farmers. AgriHQ Insight | Youn...

Rangitīkei MP Suze Redmayne joins the show to talk about the proposed changes to KiwiSaver aimed at helping farm workers and service personnel invest in property, the political process behind it, and its broader economic implications.

Weaner fairs are in full swing across the North Island and AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner says vendors are banking record prices.

Danielle Hovmand, Feds Waikato sharefarmer chair, has been a leading voice in the push to get changes made to the KiwiSaver rules allowing young farmers to use their investment to buy a house or farm.

In this episode: Mainland sale boosts rural property prospects, Pāmu’s performance unpacked, and a preview of the high country field day. News Wrap | Mainland deal has real estate sector primed 1:42 – In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, senior reporter Neal Wallace joins the show to talk about the Mainland sale, and the impact the cash injection will have on rural communities. Real esta...

Pāmu chief executive Mark Leslie tells Bryan that the state farmer’s strong half-year result is down to a mix of high commodity prices and the organisation’s strategy of increasing efficiency, productivity and excellence.

In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, senior reporter Neal Wallace joins the show to talk about the Mainland sale, and the impact the cash injection will have on rural communities. Real estate agents are expecting an increase in volume as cashed-up farmers look to secure succession plans, expand operations, or exit the industry.

Federated Farmers is hosting a high country field day on March 27, and Mark Simpson says they’re expecting more than 250 farmers and key politicians to attend. He says it will be an opportunity for decision makers to see some of the challenges high country farmers face, while also getting a lesson on the changing face of farming in the hills.

In this week’s episode, senior reporter Neal Wallace covers severe weather impacts and sheep traceability, while AgriHQ’s Alex Coddington previews strong demand and high expectations ahead of beef weaner sales. Feature guest Glenn Bewley from Woolworths discusses food security and sustainability, and Federated Farmers’ Mark Hooper raises concerns about potential water taxes and infrastructure inve...

Glenn Bewley, Woolworths’ merchandise manager for vegetables and horticulture, joins the show to unpack the realities of food security in New Zealand. He discusses the value of strong, direct relationships with growers, the pressures created by extreme weather and urban encroachment, and why sustainability is becoming increasingly critical to the future of fresh produce supply.

In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, senior reporter Neal Wallace joins the show to unpack the impact of recent severe weather across New Zealand, including widespread flooding and the challenges farmers are facing on the ground. The discussion also turns to sheep traceability and what it could mean for strengthening biosecurity and accountability within the sector.

On this week’s Farmers Weekly Podcast, AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington shares her outlook for the livestock market ahead of the beef weaner sales. Strong schedules, solid buying power and a favourable growing season are setting the scene for high prices. Alex discusses what’s driving market confidence, and the risks farmers should consider when making purchasing decisions in a shifting market.

Federated Farmers is calling for amendments to the proposed resource management legislation so future governments cannot impose taxes on water. Mark Hooper says while the current government has ruled a water tax out, the legislation leaves the option on the table for those to come.

Strong cattle demand continues to push prices higher, with a standout Matawhero sale delivering exceptional returns despite East Coast road closures. AgriHQ analyst Suz Bremner explains the impact of weather and tight supply on the market. Blair Rooney from Farm Focus discusses how AI is helping farmers improve financial management through smarter data analysis. Haast farmer Simon Cameron reflects...

Blair Rooney from Farm Focus discusses the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial management for farmers. He emphasises that AI is not meant to replace human decision-making but to assist in making better and faster decisions. The discussion covers the benefits of AI in analyzing large data sets, the importance of building trust in AI technology, and the future potential of AI in...

AgriHQ analyst Suz Bremner tells Bryan the ongoing demand for cattle, particularly in light of recent weather challenges, has led to remarkable pricing trends in the market. A highlight of the week was a consignment of adult cattle sold at Matawhero, with prices sky high despite a change of venue with East Coast roads closed.

Haast farmer Simon Cameron recently travelled to the annual Global Forum for Food and Agriculture in Berlin, where he was part of the International Young Farmers’ Forum. He tells Bryan about his experience.

Jason Herrick of Federated Farmers Southland says the money being charged for generators during the recent wind storms was exorbitant, and he’s asking for a rethink on how aid is delivered to those in need.

(00:00:00) Full Show | 5 February (00:01:55) Can red meat farmers bank on record prices? (00:13:30) Inside the challenges facing NZ’s specialty cheese sector (00:25:07) Canterbury crops under pressure after soggy summer In this week's episode, AgriHQ analyst Mel Croad talks about red meat prices, Whitestone Cheese managing director Simon Berry unpacks the challenges for artisan cheese, and Federat...

Whitestone Cheese managing director Simon Berry outlines some of the challenges the sector is facing at present. They include the cost of living crisis making consumers more wary of spending more on luxuries like artisan cheeses, the high ongoing regulatory costs producers face if they want to expand through export ventures, and the uncertainty the sale of NZ’s largest specialty cheesemaker Kāpiti...

AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad says red meat farmers looking at the sector’s current high prices are still trying to determine how far into the future they can bank on them. Having seen prices boom, then bust before, many are seeking confirmation the sector is experiencing a structural upward shift in prices that they can bank on for making longer term farm business decisions, including whether t...

While the wetter summer has been a positive for pastoral farmers it has made growing and harvesting crops in Canterbury extremely challenging. For dairy farmers the summer has meant less irrigation, but it also means supplies of winter supplement crops may be harder to secure given the impacts weather has had. Federated Farmers arable chair David Birkett is encouraging dairy farmers to start a con...

In this episode, AgriHQ’s Fiona Quarrie discusses strong lamb and ewe sales after recent rain, Sam Hogg shares how ecological farming can cut emissions and boost profits, and Jason Herrick from Federated Farmers unpacks Southland’s local service reform ideas. Market Insights | Strong rainfall sends buyers back to the yards 1:25 – AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie says recent rain in regions like Hawke’...

Sam Hogg has teamed up with his mate Sam Lang to write a chapter for the upcoming book Kiwis in climate: Solutions from Aotearoa New Zealand. Hogg told Bryan that viewing a farm as an ecosystem could transform the way it is managed and reduce emissions, build climate resilience and boost profits.

AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie says recent rain in regions like Hawke’s Bay and Canterbury have been game changing for farmers who are now heading back to the saleyards to restock. Recent store lamb and ewe sales have been very strong, and will continue to be for a while yet.