Farmers Weekly Podcast

Senior reporter Neal Wallace reports that sales of dairy farms in Southland and Otago are increasing in number, with confidence returning to the regions and banks back in the lending game.

AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad gives an update on our key markets for beef and sheepmeat, reporting that while prices are easing slightly, we’re still in great shape as the new season begins.

Federated Farmers Waikato president Chris Woolerton says the plans for local government reform in the region have the backing of Federated Farmers, with sensible boundaries suggested and a clear voice for rural communities.

(00:00:00) Full Show | September 4

(00:01:29) Councils target truckers to fund road repairs

(00:04:49) Sheep markets turn from old to new

(00:11:37) More than a competition: the bond behind dog trialling

(00:17:12) Amalgamation angst in Otago

This week, Farmers Weekly’s Neal Wallace examines road rates hitting farmers and foresters, AgriHQ’s Fiona Quarrie tracks the changing sheep market, NZ dog trial team manager Pat Coogan reflects on a Trans-Tasman victory, and Federated Farmers Otago president Anna Gillespie weighs up council amalgamation options.

NZ dog trial team manager Pat Coogan reflects on the hard-fought test series win in Queensland earlier this week. Pat says the NZ team held its nerve to win in trying conditions.

With council budgets under pressure, some regions have opted to target rates at landowners that rely on heavy traffic. Senior reporter Neal Wallace reports that dairy farmers and foresters face big rates hikes.

AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie discusses the transition from old season lambs to new, young stock as ewes with lambs at foot enter the saleyards.

Federated Farmers Otago president Anna Gillespie analyses the different proposals put forward by councils in the region, with Feds favouring an urban-rural split rather than the coastal-inland divide put forward by Dunedin and Queenstown.

This week, Farmers Weekly senior reporter Richard Rennie examines the growing workforce challenge in ageing regions, while AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner explains why strong store cattle prices aren’t quite meeting expectations. Featured guest, Agritech NZ's chief executive Brendan O’Connell, offers a different take on the tech brain drain, and Federated Farmers arable chair Chris Dillon looks at how relaxed drone rules could unlock greater farm adoption.

Agritech NZ chief executive Brendan O’Connell says reports that our tech sector is at risk of a brain drain need to be viewed with caution. He says the fact our best and brightest head offshore should be seen as a positive.