Farmers Weekly Podcast

Federated Farmers’ national board member Mark Hooper is applauding the National Party for its plan to make it much easier for farmers to install solar. The party plans to make it a permitted activity not requiring resource consent.

This week: Landfall Strategy Group’s Dr David Skilling discusses how businesses can adapt to ongoing geopolitical instability, higher capital costs and disrupted supply chains. EECA’s Chris McArthur outlines practical advice for farmers considering farm solar, drawing on demonstration farms across New Zealand. Federated Farmers’ West Coast president Simon Cameron argues farmers’ stewardship should be central to discussions on proposed Conservation Act changes and the future of New Zealand’s conservation estate.

Landfall Strategy Group’s senior adviser on geopolitics and economic policy, Dr David Skilling, joins the show to discuss the global geopolitical scene, saying we won’t see a return to normality and must adapt to ongoing conflict, a higher cost of capital and strained supply chains.

EECA’s farm solar boss Chris McArthur tells Bryan about the advice and assistance they offer farmers as they consider investing in farm solar systems. EECA has gathered a range of demonstration farms to provide ongoing updates on their journey across a range of farming systems and regions.

Federated Farmers’ West Coast president Simon Cameron says recent commentary about changes to the Conservation Act miss the point, and that it’s vital the farmers helping preserve our conservation estate are given the opportunity to do their work.

(00:00:00) Full Show | June 19

(00:01:33) Tight supply, strong demand for store lambs

(00:07:30) Why PF Olsen and Forest 360 became Stand

(00:19:23) What Federated Farmers wants from the next government

This week’s Farmers Weekly podcast dives into the strong store lamb market, with AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner explaining why buyers are still chasing limited numbers and paying top dollar. We also delve into a major development in forestry, with Stand CEO Dan Gaddum discussing the merger of PF Olsen and Forest 360 and what it means for the sector. Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford rounds things out with the organisation’s wishlist for the next government to help farming prosper.

Big forestry companies PF Olsen and Forest 360 have merged to form Stand – a new forest management outfit. CEO Dan Gaddum joins Bryan to discuss why the merger occurred, what the company’s future looks like, and the state of the sector.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner says store lamb prices remain strong despite lower yarding volumes, with vendors benefiting as buyers compete to fill paddocks and capitalise on this year’s record-high lamb schedules.

Federated Farmers’ president Wayne Langford goes over the organisation’s five-point plan for the next government, which highlights reforms he says will help farming flourish. They include lowering the cost of production, investing in infrastructure, and helping the next generation of farmers.

(00:00:00) Full Show | June 12

(00:00:47) Fieldays through a student’s eyes

(00:05:11) Quality cattle on offer at bull sales

(00:13:00) Emissions reduction tools hit the accelerator

(00:16:22) Feds celebrates QEII funds

In this week’s episode, student ambassador Harriet Johnston shares her first impressions from Fieldays and what caught her eye. AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner reviews the early bull sales season, where quality cattle, strong averages and full clearances have been standout features. AgriZeroNZ chief executive Wayne McNee chats about a new fund aimed at accelerating the uptake of emissions reduction tools on farms. Plus, Federated Farmers’ Brent Mountford welcomes a government funding boost for the QEII Trust to help protect native biodiversity on New Zealand farms.