Farmers Weekly Podcast

(00:00:00) Full Show | July 17 (00:01:51) Zespri to ask growers to back Chinese SunGold again (00:11:54) Ups and downs at Temuka’s in-lamb ewe fair (00:19:03) What El Niño could mean for NZ farmers this spring (00:34:28) River maintenance falls short In this week's Farmers Weekly Podcast, weather expert Phil Duncan explains what a possible El Niño could mean for New Zealand farmers this spring. Senior reporter Richard Rennie also discusses Zespri's possible second grower vote on Chinese SunGold production, livestock emissions research and urease inhibitors, while AgriHQ's Suz Bremner reviews the Temuka in-lamb ewe fair and Federated Farmers Robert Hickson examines river maintenance failures in Wairarapa.

Farmers Weekly’s weather man Phil Duncan is here to explain what El Nino is, how it might affect global food production, and what farmers and growers in New Zealand need to know heading into spring.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie joins the show to discuss some of the top stories of the week, including Zespri's possible plan for a second grower vote on whether to add Chinese SunGold fruit to its international mix. Richard has also been talking to Massey University researcher Dr Amelia Almeida, who updated Australia’s livestock emissions model and now has New Zealand’s in her sights. Richard also talks about urease inhibitors and whether they are actually doing what they state on the tin.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner reports on the recent Temuka in’lamb ewe fair, which saw record prices for the top lines before buyers became a lot more picky, resulting in a topsy-turvy day for vendors.

Federated Farmers’ Wairarapa president Robert Hickson tells Bryan that recent rain in the region caused unnecessary flooding as a result of poor or non-existent riverbed maintenance. He says the buildup of gravel in key rivers exacerbated the floods and wants to see agreement reached on how to avoid the same situation in future.

(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 senior analyst Mel Croad explains why America's appetite for beef may be starting to cool, and what that could mean for red meat prices. Plus, Federated Farmers national board member Mark Hooper shares his concerns about the Green Party's freshwater policy and its potential impact on farming and food prices.

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 Kenyon discusses a new programme to help tackle the shortage of agriculture and horticulture teachers, while sharing the latest on the university's enrolment surge. And Federated Farmers' Mark Hooper welcomes National's proposal to make on-farm solar installations a permitted activity without resource consent.

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 at Massey, which is enjoying a big surge.

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 be central to discussions on proposed Conservation Act changes and the future of New Zealand’s conservation estate.

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 also delve into a major development in forestry, with Stand CEO Dan Gaddum discussing the merger of PF Olsen and Forest 360 and what it means for the sector. Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford rounds things out with the organisation’s wishlist for the next government to help farming prosper.

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 bull sales season, where quality cattle, strong averages and full clearances have been standout features. AgriZeroNZ chief executive Wayne McNee chats about a new fund aimed at accelerating the uptake of emissions reduction tools on farms. Plus, Federated Farmers’ Brent Mountford welcomes a government funding boost for the QEII Trust to help protect native biodiversity on New Zealand farms.

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 growing opportunities for New Zealand exporters in a nation of more than 50 million consumers.AgriHQ analyst Mel Croad examines whether record sheepmeat returns can be sustained as strong global demand continues to support lamb and mutton prices.Senior reporter Richard Rennie explores renewed momentum in the rural real estate market, including the return of dairy conversions with a different approach to past booms.Federated Farmers’ new Taranaki president Nick Brown discusses local government reform and its implications for farmers.

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.

Federated Farmers’ Taranaki president Nick Brown talks with Bryan about the big issues on the agenda on the coast, with local government reform at the top of the pile.

In this episode, AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington reflects on the recent Out the Gate conference and strong long-term beef and lamb price forecasts. Jacinta FitzGerald discusses plans to unlock more value from New Zealand’s fibre industry, while Federated Farmers’ Richard Dawkins welcomes new funding for wilding pine control.

Enough fibre to fill 6600 shipping containers is produced by New Zealand every year, much of it exported as unprocessed product with its value-added potential unrealised, CEO of Fashion and Textiles NZ Jacinta FitzGerald outlines a new strategy to change that.

AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington reflects on the recent Out the Gate conference in Christchurch. She says Australian analyst Simon Quilty’s prediction of sustained high farmgate prices for beef and lamb aligns with AgriHQ’s own modelling.

Federated Farmers’ pest spokesperson Richard Dawkins is celebrating new funding for wilding pine control. The government will invest an additional $79 million over the next three years to tackle wilding pines, taking the total commitment to $109m.

(00:00:00) Full Show | May 22 (00:01:37) Store lamb markets react to winter contracts (00:06:25) Kells wool staying put in Hawke’s Bay (00:12:41) Costar takes on top job in Auckland In this episode, AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie explains how strong winter contracts from processors are lifting store lamb prices, with recent sales in Feilding, Hastings and Temuka all seeing gains. Bryan talks with Hawke’s Bay wool broker Richard Kells about why he’s kept his locally owned business based in the bay for the past 40 years despite competition from larger industry players. Federated Farmers’ new Auckland region president Rosemarie Costar discusses her farming background, her priorities in the role and how her local government experience helps her understand the key issues facing farmers.

Buyers are backing Hawke’s Bay-based wool broker Kells Wool as the locally owned business stands its ground against bigger industry players. Founder and company director Richard Kells has based the business in Hawke’s Bay for the past 40 years and tells Bryan why he decided to stay put in the bay.

AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie says that store lamb prices have risen on the back of some lucrative winter contracts being offered by processors. Recent sales in Feilding, Hastings and Temuka have all seen prices rise.

Federated Farmers’ new Auckland region president Rosemarie Costar joins the show to discuss her background in farming and what her priorities are as she takes on the role. With experience in local government to call on, Rosemarie says she has a good understanding of the big issues from both sides of the bargaining table.

(00:00:00) Full Show | May 15 (00:01:47) How regional conditions are shaping livestock sales (00:07:19) China gives us a reminder of its importance (00:29:08) Government given a nudge on freshwater reform In this episode, AgriHQ analyst Suz Bremner explains how varying regional conditions are influencing livestock sales, with farmers balancing feed supplies and stock numbers ahead of winter, affecting saleyard prices and throughput. Richard Rennie discusses China’s importance to New Zealand with businessman David Mahon, highlighting trade relationships and future considerations. Federated Farmers’ Colin Hurst urges the government to speed up freshwater reform, warning farmers remain concerned Labour-era regulations could persist approaching the election

Senior reporter Richard Rennie chats with Beijing resident and businessman David Mahon about our relationship with China, how it may have changed in recent months, and what we need to consider if we’re to continue the valuable partnership.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner, like many farmers across Aotearoa, is preparing for winter. Feed levels and stock numbers are shaping saleyard prices and throughput, with conditions varying by region.

Federated Farmers’ freshwater spokesperson Colin Hurst is giving the government a hurry up, with progress on its freshwater programme still slow six months out from the election.

(00:00:00) Full Show | May 8 (00:01:34) Processing slowdown drives high-value livestock deals (00:15:15) Proposed drone reforms raise safety concerns in rural sector (00:29:24) Feds’ new Southland president tackles local government reform This week on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad discusses slowing processing volumes and the high-value livestock contracts emerging across the market. Fenix UAS managing director Andrew Shelley raises concerns about proposed drone regulation changes and what they could mean for rural safety. Federated Farmers’ new Southland president Chris Dillon outlines his priorities for the role, including local government reform and taking a more collaborative approach to regulation that better supports farmers and rural communities.

Managing director of Fenix UAS Andrew Shelley weighs in on proposed changes to the regulations that govern drone use. He says while there’s a case to be made for relaxing them in some instances, he’s concerned that the proposals might remove safeguards that protect farmers and pilots.

AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad wraps up the latest news in the livestock markets, reporting that processing volumes are dropping off, resulting in some high value contracts being offered. While the war in the Middle East is affecting input prices, supply chains are holding strong.

Federated Farmers’ new Southland president Chris Dillon says council consolidation is high on the agenda as he takes the top job. Dillon says he’s hoping to adopt a more collaborative approach to regulatory change that works better for farmers.

(00:00:00) Full Show | May 1 (00:01:30) Australian beef prices take a hit (00:06:40) A farming legacy: PGG Wrightson marks 175 years (00:16:12) New Waikato Feds president’s game plan This week on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we cover key developments shaping the rural sector on both sides of the Tasman. AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington joins us to break down falling Australian beef prices, driven by dry conditions and increased supply, and what looming China quota tariffs could mean for exports. PGG Wrightson chief executive Stephen Guerin reflects on the company’s 175-year legacy and its roots in New Zealand farming history. Plus, Federated Farmers Waikato president Chris Woolerton shares his plans for the role and his commitment to reconnecting with farmers on the ground to better represent their voices.

AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington joins the show to discuss the state of the Australian livestock markets, highlighting a drop in farmgate beef prices after dry weather saw stock surge to the processor.

PGG Wrightson chief executive Stephen Guerin joins the show to talk about the company’s 175th anniversary, which is being marked on May 1. George Gould launched Christchurch’s first general store in May, 1851, beginning a long legacy of farm supply businesses that all contributed to the PGG Wrightson we know today.