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 also joins the studio to discuss how recent rain has revived interest in store livestock, and Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst reflects on the election results and the policy priorities ahead.

Foll...

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 growing trend to eat more healthily takes hold.

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 growing trend to eat more healthily takes hold.

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 cattle prices; and Federated Farmers sharefarming chair Sam Ebbett explains why outdated laws need to catch up with young farmers’ pathways into dairy.

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.

AgriHQ Insight | Store cattle shine in FeildingAgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington says store cattle values are holding up despite worries about El Niño. Feilding hosted a big yarding last week with prices pleasing vendors.

Federated Farmers sharefarming chair Sam Ebbett says the new government needs to prioritise an update to the laws around sharefarming. The Act as it stands doesn’t account for contract milking, now the predominant path for young farmers to progress in dairy.

Where have half a million lambs gone, and what does their disappearance from the numbers mean for farmers? This week, AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad unpacks the mystery and the consequences for the red meat sector. Plus, Richard Rennie looks at the passing of the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Amendment Bills, Suz Bremner follows Chatham livestock back to market, and Federated Farmers Otago’s Logan Wallace tackles farm drainage regulations.

AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad says updates to our national sheep population figures have wiped out half a million lambs the industry was previously accounting for. She says this has repercussions for farmers, processors and everyone in the red meat supply chain.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie says the passing of the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Amendment Bill with broad support is giving industry leaders confidence that the door will reopen to new tools to combat pests and diseases.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner says Chatham Island farmers are celebrating the first load of stock sent to the yards at Strotford Lodge, with a temporary larger barge filling the gap while they wait for the new boat to be built in China.

Federated Farmers Otago vice president Logan Wallace says the laws around managing farm drains need an overhaul, with restrictions and costs leaving the land degraded and unproductive.

(00:00:00) Full Show | September 18
(00:01:24) Solar companies seek investment
(00:09:00) Cattle hit the road in search of better money
(00:16:46) Why everyone should be watching bond yields
(00:28:07) Farmer confidence slides despite high returns

This week, Farmers Weekly’s Richard Rennie looks at solar’s hunt for investment, AgriHQ’s Fiona Quarrie follows cattle travelling for better returns, economist Cameron Bagrie explains why rising bond yields matter, and Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst unpacks what’s shaking farmer confidence.

Economist Cameron Bagrie is here to explain why the 10-year bond yield is something everyone should have their eyes on. He says with inflation on the rise, governments will be quick to cool down financial markets which will lead to higher interest rates and borrowing costs.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie takes a look at the growing solar energy market and notes that big player Lodestone is considering the stock market as a way to raise more capital.

AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie rounds up the early cattle sales and says some vendors are heading further afield to find the highest returns. A Pleasant Point seller took 1500 dairy-beef cattle north to Fielding in search of value and was well rewarded.

This week, Farmers Weekly’s Neal Wallace finds confidence returning to southern dairy country, AgriHQ’s Mel Croad weighs up easing red meat prices, Beef + Lamb NZ chair Kate Acland asks how farmers can turn another strong year into real gains, and Federated Farmers Waikato president Chris Woolerton looks at whether council reform will deliver a stronger rural voice.

Beef + Lamb NZ chair Kate Acland says forecasts point to another good year for farmers, even as farmgate returns ease slightly and the cost of production remains stubbornly high.

Senior reporter Neal Wallace reports that sales of dairy farms in Southland and Otago are increasing in number, with confidence returning to the regions and banks back in the lending game.