ASB head of food and fibre Kristen Ashby joins the show to talk about rural banking, whether banks are turning woke, and just how they assess risk. She also reflects on how bankers are being asked to bring new expertise to farm businesses and how to approach succession planning.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses the gene technology legislation currently passing through parliament, and previews his upcoming trip to Japan, where he’ll report on the new trends emerging in one of our biggest export partners.

AgriHQ senior Mel Croad discusses the recent increase in tariffs on New Zealand's beef exports to the United States, the implications for the market, and the competitive landscape involving Australia and Brazil. NZ is now paying 15% to sell into the US market, but Mel says there doesn’t seem to be any rash moves being considered as exporters take a wait and see approach.

Federated Farmers dairy chair Karl Dean says farmers will be breathing a sigh of relief after two new visa categories were introduced, making it much easier for farmers and growers to access the skilled people they need at the right time of the year.

They discuss the introduction of two new seasonal work visas in New Zealand aimed at providing farmers with more certainty in securing skilled labour and the workforce challenges the sector faces.

In this episode: 

News Wrap | A look into the funding future of Alliance Group
1:43 – Senior reporter Neal Wallace previews the big announcement from Alliance Group next week, where they’ll announce the result of their search for an investor. 

Market Insights | Young cattle bringing value to traders
6:18 – AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington has been diving into the data and has some insight into the value young cattle are bringing to traders. Feeder calf prices were high earlier in the year but they’re being sold at a premium now so good margins are being enjoyed.

Feature | Breeding sheep of the future
10:40 – Focus Genetics general manager Matt Johnson chats with Bryan about the Sheep of the Future programme being run in partnership with AgResearch, Pāmu and the Ministry for Primary Industries. They’re working to breed sheep that are heat tolerant, disease resistant, and easy to handle while also possessing the characteristics traditionally sought after for meat quality. 

Feds Focus | The fight for rural safety in Canterbury
17:50 – Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green joins the show to chat about the proposed restructure of Canterbury’s Police force, which she says will leave some communities without full-time cover. Farmers aired their concerns at two meetings this week.

The Final Word
23:38 – Central Hawke’s Bay farmer Bayden Andersen is living the dream – managing a farm in a community he loves. But he worries his kids might not have that option, as more and more farms convert to forestry in the region.

Focus Genetics general manager Matt Johnson chats with Bryan about the Sheep of the Future programme being run in partnership with AgResearch, Pāmu and the Ministry for Primary Industries. They’re working to breed sheep that are heat tolerant, disease resistant, and easy to handle while also possessing the characteristics traditionally sought after for meat quality.

Senior reporter Neal Wallace previews the big announcement from Alliance Group next week, where they’ll announce the result of their search for an investor.

AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington has been diving into the data and has some insight into the value young cattle are bringing to traders. Feeder calf prices were high earlier in the year but they’re being sold at a premium now so good margins are being enjoyed.

Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green joins the show to chat about the proposed restructure of Canterbury’s Police force, which she says will leave some communities without full-time cover. Farmers aired their concerns at two meetings this week.

In this episode:

Market Insights | Buyers return to feeder calf market
1:38 – AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie has an update on the early feeder calf sales, with rearers returning to the rails to buy up young stock. Input costs are still stubbornly high but Fiona says there’s a good margin there for careful operators.

Feature | Genetic opportunities in dairy beef production
7:07 – Wyoming rancher Lee Leachman discusses the evolution of Leachman Cattle, a leading seed stock operation in the United States, focusing on profit-driven genetics and the growing market for beef on dairy. He shares insights on the genetic advancements in dairy beef production, the challenges and opportunities in New Zealand's livestock market, and the comparative advantages of grass-fed beef in both countries.

Feds Focus | Confidence returns to sector
17:15 – Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford joins the show to discuss the latest farm confidence survey that shows farmers are feeling good right now. Wayne says there are a number of factors, including  strong farmgate returns and a better regulatory environment.

The Final Word
22:02 – No one has emerged from the great butter debate looking all that good. But while fingers are pointed and responsibility shirked, the fact remains that many New Zealanders can’t afford to buy our staple spread.