Farmers Weekly Podcast

Senior reporter Richard Rennie says the passing of the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Amendment Bill with broad support is giving industry leaders confidence that the door will reopen to new tools to combat pests and diseases.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner says Chatham Island farmers are celebrating the first load of stock sent to the yards at Strotford Lodge, with a temporary larger barge filling the gap while they wait for the new boat to be built in China.

Federated Farmers Otago vice president Logan Wallace says the laws around managing farm drains need an overhaul, with restrictions and costs leaving the land degraded and unproductive.

(00:00:00) Full Show | September 18

(00:01:24) Solar companies seek investment

(00:09:00) Cattle hit the road in search of better money

(00:16:46) Why everyone should be watching bond yields

(00:28:07) Farmer confidence slides despite high returns

This week, Farmers Weekly’s Richard Rennie looks at solar’s hunt for investment, AgriHQ’s Fiona Quarrie follows cattle travelling for better returns, economist Cameron Bagrie explains why rising bond yields matter, and Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst unpacks what’s shaking farmer confidence.

Economist Cameron Bagrie is here to explain why the 10-year bond yield is something everyone should have their eyes on. He says with inflation on the rise, governments will be quick to cool down financial markets which will lead to higher interest rates and borrowing costs.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie takes a look at the growing solar energy market and notes that big player Lodestone is considering the stock market as a way to raise more capital.

AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie rounds up the early cattle sales and says some vendors are heading further afield to find the highest returns. A Pleasant Point seller took 1500 dairy-beef cattle north to Fielding in search of value and was well rewarded.

This week, Farmers Weekly’s Neal Wallace finds confidence returning to southern dairy country, AgriHQ’s Mel Croad weighs up easing red meat prices, Beef + Lamb NZ chair Kate Acland asks how farmers can turn another strong year into real gains, and Federated Farmers Waikato president Chris Woolerton looks at whether council reform will deliver a stronger rural voice.

Beef + Lamb NZ chair Kate Acland says forecasts point to another good year for farmers, even as farmgate returns ease slightly and the cost of production remains stubbornly high.