Farmers Weekly In Focus AgriHQ

Senior Farmers Weekly journalist Richard Rennie is subbing in for Bryan this week. 

He talks to Harriet Mellish, general manager for Australia's AgriFutures GrowAG initiative based in Wagga Wagga. Harriet outlines the opportunities GrowAg provides for Kiwi agritech startups to tap into,opening them up to a far wider funding and partnership arena at a time when NZ's own funding environment is tight.

Then, the problem of trying to balance human welfare and animal welfare when it comes to livestock trucking has been highlighted by Federated Farmers Southland president Jason Herrick. He talks to Richard about how the regulations can leave drivers, and their animals, stranded when alloted driving hours have been used up before a mandatory rest is required. Jason outlines the problems this presents, and how some practical, clear-eyed thinking could help solve it.

And, he catches up with fellow senior journalist Neal Wallace on a couple of the stories he has been covering this week. Neal takes a look at the dire shortage of livestock available for processing this winter, what it means for plant shutdowns and markets. He also reports on the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment's terse words for environmentalists, calling for solutions not problems when it comes to realistic development to help NZ pay its way in the world.

Senior Farmers Weekly journalist Richard Rennie is subbing in for Bryan this week. 

He caught up with Harriet Mellish, the GM for Australia's AgriFutures GrowAG initiative. It provides a platform for researchers, startups and innovators here to identify and meet up with potential partners through an comprehensive online digital platform.

Harriet made a brief visit to NZ this week, to address the E Tipu food and fibre conference in Palmerston North. She talks about how the initiative has managed to support over $160 million in startup investments, and the opportunities it offers for Kiwis to tap into Australian opportunities.

Senior Farmers Weekly journalist Richard Rennie is subbing in for Bryan this week. 

He speaks to fellow senior journalist Neal Wallace, who takes  a look at the dire shortage of livestock available for processing this winter, what it means for plant shutdowns and markets.

He also reports on the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment's terse words for environmentalists, calling for solutions not problems when it comes to realistic development to help NZ pay its way in the world.

Senior Farmers Weekly journalist Richard Rennie is subbing in for Bryan this week.

He speaks to Federated Farmers Southland provincial president Jason Herrick has raised concerns farmers and stock truck drivers have about rules around driving hours, rest times and the problems this poses for the inexact task of transporting livestock. Drivers are required to take a 30-minute rest break after a five and a half hour stint, and if they don't electronic monitoring will see them automatically fined. 

Bryan reports from National Fieldays where there has been a flurry of government announcements including Minister for Regulation David Seymour telling farmers he’s going to cut the red tape that’s holding them back from doing what they do best. 

Food and fibre export revenue is tipped to reach $54.6 billion this year and hit a record $66.6bn in 2028, according to the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report.He caught up with MPI director-general Ray Smith about how agricultural exports have performed over the past year. 

The Government also announced an inquiry into rural banking, something Federated Farmers has been calling for, and dairy chair Richard McIntyre says the aim now is to make sure terms of reference are set in a way that addresses the issues that really concern them.

And, senior reporter Richard Rennie is also on the ground at Mystery Creek. He shares some of the highlights from the first two days, including the launch of the Science for Farmers hub and the visiting Brazilian delegation.

Bryan reports from National Fieldays where there has been a flurry of government announcements including Minister for Regulation David Seymour telling farmers he’s going to cut the red tape that’s holding them back from doing what they do best.

Farming will be the second sector the Ministry turns its attention to and Seymour says farmers will be given the chance to highlight what roadblocks they’d like cleared.