Blue Shed Diary

The continuing conflict in Iran is putting greater pressureon the Ag sector in New Zealand. From petrol prices to supply chain squeezes, the uncertainty is making life harder for our farmers and growers.

The Middle East is one of the world’s main exporters of Urea, which is used in Nitrogen fertiliser production, and New Zealand imports some 500-thousand tonnes of it annually.

With no end to the conflict insight, what impact is it currently having on our supply chain, and how are we preparing for this to continue for months, or even years.
Joining the conversation is Paul Joules. Paul is an Agriculture Analyst for Rabobank and specialises in farm and commodities inputs.

Keeping your ewes fed and healthy comes down to a balanced diet and maintaining Body Condition Score in late winter. Any loss in body condition impacts lamb survival, so getting the balance between protein and carbs right makes all the difference. PGG Wrightson Technical Expert for Animal Production, Dr Andrew Dowling, joins the conversation with advice on your winter-feeding system to maximise profits and productivity.

Staples in our frozen veggie aisles - Watties and McCain - have announced they're closing up shop in New Zealand. Watties is closing factories in Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin and their frozen packing lines in Hastings. McCain's is also exiting Hastings by the end of this year. Hundreds of jobs are set to be lost, but the repercussions of these closures will be felt far wider.

What do these closures mean for the growers supplies these companies and their rural communities? Will this be a fundamental change for the sector? Will Kiwis be able to find homegrown veggies on their shelves at the supermarket?

Joining the conversation is Matt Thorn, Business Manager for Process Vegetables and Antony Heywood, former Vegetables NZ Chief Executive.

The repercussions of military action in Iran continues to be felt globally. From the cost-of-living pressures, to rising petrol and diesel prices and stock shortages, everyone is feeling the pinch. But for rural communities, the impacts are more than just stress on the wallet.

Joining the conversation is farmer and Rural Women New Zealand member, Emma Burke, who has tips on watching the wallet and keeping connected.

Blue Shed Diary host, Milton Munro, and his colleague Shane McDowall, have seen the future of farming. Back from their whirlwind tour of the USA—including a visit to Microsoft in Seattle, Washington and the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in San Francisco, California—Milton and Shane have peered into the crystal ball and gotten insight into what innovations and technology are on the horizon for New Zealand's farmers and growers.

Joining the conversation is Agritrade National Manager, Shane McDowall.

With the last of the fruit leaving the vine in Kerikeri, what should growers be doing next to ready their kiwifruit orchards for winter? Post-harvest advice from Technical Horticulture Representative Louise Shepherd.

While the Ag Sector has been on an upswing, one primary sector is still feeling the pinch: Arable Farmers. What's behind the struggle? Why are some looking to leave the sector in search of greener pastures? What impact will the Watties and McCain's frozen veggie closures have on the sector? And what can we do to support the industry?

Joining the conversation to answer these questions and more is Federated Farmer's Arable Group Chairperson and arable farmer based out of Leeston, David Birkett.

For over 40 years, IHC has raised money to support people with intellectual disabilities and their whānau in rural communities through the calf & rural scheme. Farmers donate livestock (and virtual calves, too) to IHC who use the proceeds from their sale to raise vital funds. As a principal sponsor, PGG Wrightson wants to make sure everyone gets involved with Pink Week!

Joining the conversation to tell us how you can make a difference is IHC NZ National Fundraising Manager Greg Millar.

For more information about IHC, visit: IHC Calf & Rural Scheme | PGG WrightsonFor more information about Pink Week, visit: IHC Calf & Rural Scheme | PGG Wrightson

Vocational, hands-on, work-based practical training is essential for bringing new farmers, growers, and workers to the industry. One of the major organisations behind this kind of training is Primary ITO, however government reforms could significantly change the way we deliver work-based education in New Zealand. What does this system look like in the future and can you have your say?

Joining the conversation is Primary ITO CEO Ginny Vincent.

For more information about Primary ITO, visit: Home | Primary ITO

Autumn fertiliser can be one of your largest annual input costs, but with the price of fertiliser on the rise, how can you make sure you are maximising your investment while getting the best results for your crop?

Joining April's Tech Talk is PGG Wrightson Technical Specialist for Soil Science, Dr Jay Howes.