Third consecutive rise at the latest Global Dairy Trade Auction, Climate Change Minister under fire for ignoring farming sector, and January weather delivers mixed bag for farmers.

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Third consecutive rise at the latest Global Dairy Trade Auction

Global dairy prices have recorded their third consecutive rise, lifting 3.7% in the latest Global Dairy Trade auction overnight. The increase builds on the previous fortnight's 1.4% gain, signaling strengthening market conditions for dairy farmers.

Whole milk powder maintained its impressive momentum with a 4.1% increase, following its 5% jump from the previous auction. Skim milk powder also showed significant strength, climbing 4.7%, building on its earlier 2% rise.

Other products saw positive movements, with cheddar up 3.7%, butter rising 3.4%, and anhydrous milk fat gaining 2.4%. Lactose recorded the day's strongest performance with a substantial 17.7% increase. Only butter milk powder and mozzarella showed minor declines of 0.4 and 0.1% respectively.

The strong results align with Fonterra's recently increased farmgate milk price forecast for 2024/25, now set between $9.50 and $10.50 per kgMS, with a $10.00 midpoint. This represents significant growth from the 2023-2024 season's final price of $7.83 per kgMS.

 

Climate Change Minister under fire for ignoring farming secto

Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has come under heavy criticism for failing to consult with key agricultural stakeholders before announcing increased Paris Agreement contributions, despite agriculture representing half of New Zealand's emissions profile.

The Taxpayers' Union has revealed Minister Watts declined multiple meeting requests from Federated Farmers while engaging with environmental groups like Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund. Neither Beef + Lamb NZ nor regional Chambers of Commerce were consulted before the decision to increase New Zealand's climate commitments beyond the existing $24 billion Paris Agreement contribution.

Taxpayers' Union Spokesman James Ross highlighted the stark contrast between National's previous stance, when party MPs joined farmers protesting Labour's climate policies, and their current approach of implementing similar policies without sector consultation.

The controversy has prompted more than 9,000 New Zealanders to email the Prime Minister and coalition partners requesting intervention on Watts' 2035 target. The situation marks a significant shift in National's traditional relationship with the farming sector, historically seen as the party's core constituency.

 

EPA staff boost not enough say Plant Health New Zealand

The Environmental Protection Agency's plan to hire more staff for processing agricultural product applications isn't enough to address critical delays affecting farmers, says Animal and Plant Health New Zealand. Chief Executive Dr Liz Shackleton warns the current backlog is actively disadvantaging our farming and growing sectors.

Despite EPA's commitment to increase frontline staffing, industry leaders are highlighting significant challenges, particularly with complex Category C applications requiring specialist eco-toxicologists - expertise that's globally scarce. The current delays mean some products have been waiting years for approval after initial application.

A coalition of twelve primary sector and business leaders is calling for major reforms, including strengthened governance and more balanced risk assessment approaches. They're pushing for a shift from the current precautionary 'say no' stance to one that better supports innovation and sustainability.

Animal and Plant Health NZ has proposed several solutions, including establishing an independent strategic forum with ministerial appointment and developing a Group Standard for Trial Products. With Cabinet currently reviewing recommendations, the sector is urging ministers to implement fundamental changes beyond simple resource increases.

 

January weather delivers mixed bag for farmers

January's cooler and drier conditions have created mixed fortunes for farmers across the country, with NIWA recording the coldest January since 2017. The national average temperature hit 16.4°C, sitting 0.8°C below the typical January average.

Most farming regions experienced significantly different conditions from usual patterns. While the West Coast and Fiordland enjoyed above-average warmth, central and southern North Island farmers dealt with unseasonably cool temperatures. Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty all recorded below-normal rainfall, potentially impacting pasture growth.

Western South Island farmers benefited from record-breaking sunshine hours, with Hokitika logging its sunniest January since 1912 at 328 hours. The West Coast, Taranaki, and Bay of Plenty emerged as sunshine leaders, potentially boosting growth in these regions despite the cooler temperatures.

Kawerau recorded the month's highest temperature at 32.4°C on January 24.

 

Fifth Generation Farmer Eyes Young Farmer Crown

Feilding sheep and beef farmer Kurt Armstrong will draw on five generations of farming experience as he competes in this weekend's Taranaki Manawatu FMG Young Farmer of the Year Regional Final at Stratford A&P Showgrounds.

Making his sixth attempt at the competition and fourth Regional Finals appearance, Armstrong has recently taken over his family's farm alongside his sister. He's been expanding his skillset by learning dairy farming practices at his partner's family property to prepare for Saturday's diverse range of challenges.

Regional Final Co-Convenor Emma Northcott says competitors will face region-specific tests alongside broader farming challenges, seeking to identify the ultimate all-rounder. The winner will advance to July's Grand Final in Invercargill.

The event includes AgriKidsNZ and FMG Junior Young Farmer competitions, showcasing career opportunities across the food and fibre sector. The day culminates with an evening buzzer quiz where contestants make their final bid for points.

 

The initiative aims to broaden Ravensdown's market reach while maintaining its traditional focus on tailored farming solutions.

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