Farmers Weekly Podcast

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.