Farmers Weekly In Focus AgriHQ

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.

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.

Bryan chats with MPI director-general Ray Smith about how agricultural exports have performed over the past year. He says it is pleasing to see some smaller primary industries perform well. 

Senior reporter Richard Rennie is also on the ground at Mystery Creek and he chats to Bryan about some of the highlights from the first two days, including the launch of the Science for Farmers hub and the visiting Brazilian delegation.

The Government 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.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has released a new report urging New Zealand to address the issue of land-use change so it’s done equitably and in a way that supports rural communities and the environment. Bryan speaks with the commissioner’s chief economist Geoff Simmons about the report.

North Canterbury is very dry and Federated Farmers regional president Karl Dean tells Bryan farmers there are having to make tough decisions as winter begins. Ewes are being culled and for many, buying supplementary feed is just too expensive.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie goes through a new report from the United Nations on methane inhibitors, which warns some of the innovations being developed may not be entirely safe. He says more research is needed to ensure they’re fine for both livestock and humans.