by Proud Country Network
<p>Are you short on time to digest all of of New Zealand's rural news? Well we are about to change your life! <br><br>Hosted by award-winning newsreader, Richard Baddiley, Early Bird is the short rural news bulletin podcast curated just for you.</p> <p>Delivered at 5am from Monday-Friday covering the top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand so you have better chat beyond the weather. </p> <p>Have a press release you'd like shared on the show?</p> <p>Email <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p> <p> </p>
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April 29, 2025
<p><strong>Legal hurdle slows Fonterra’s multi-billion dollar sell-off, record US beef prices flow through to farmers, and Taupō Hospital accreditation boosts rural healthcare training.</strong>Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather!</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Legal hurdle slows Fonterra’s multi-billion dollar sell-off</strong></p> <p>Fonterra's plan to divest its consumer products businesses has hit a legal roadblock in Australia that could delay or alter the multi-billion dollar sale affecting Kiwi dairy farmers' cooperative. The Supreme Court of New South Wales dismissed Fonterra's case seeking clarity on trademark licensing agreements with Bega Cheese, ruling it couldn't make declarations on hypothetical deals.</p> <p>The dairy giant wanted confirmation that its divestment plans wouldn't trigger clauses allowing Bega to end their longstanding cheese production agreement in Australia. Justice Elisabeth Peden rejected the application, noting Fonterra had no scheduled sale or restructure agreed with any purchaser yet, making the request premature.</p> <p>Despite the setback, Fonterra insists the court decision won't derail its plans to sell the consumer businesses—potentially worth up to $4 billion according to some analysts. The cooperative maintains these businesses could still be sold as one entity called Mainland or as separate operations. The divestment strategy aims to refocus Fonterra on its core business of processing New Zealand milk within the country, a move closely watched by dairy farmers across the nation.</p> <p>Fonterra remains confident the provisions of its licensing agreement with Bega aren't affected by the divestment process, though court documents reveal Fonterra lawyers had warned a negative decision could potentially kill the divestment plan or significantly impact the sale price. The cooperative has indicated it may seek another court determination later when sale details are more concrete.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Record US beef prices flow through to farmers</strong></p> <p>Premium beef prices have surged 22% over the past year as strong American demand combines with reduced local supply to create a win for Kiwi beef farmers. Stats NZ data shows porterhouse steak now retails at $38.43 per kilogram, up from $31.50 in March last year, marking the largest annual price increase since 2011.</p> <p>Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Kit Arkwright says the price jump reflects growing international demand, particularly from the United States where the cattle herd sits at record lows while consumption remains high. The American market currently accounts for 52% by value of New Zealand beef exports, with that dominance expected to continue throughout 2025 despite some uncertainty around tariff policies under President Trump's administration.</p> <p>The export-driven price increase coincides with reduced domestic supply, with beef production volumes down approximately 5-6% compared to the first quarter of 2024. This decline stems from fewer beef calves being reared two years ago, further tightening the market. </p> <p>Supermarket chain Woolworths acknowledges they're paying more to farmers and processors to secure domestic supply amid the increased export competition.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Taupō Hospital accreditation boosts rural healthcare training</strong></p> <p>Taupō Hospital has become the first in the North Island accredited to deliver Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine training. The move will help address critical doctor shortages in the region by training more rural generalists equipped to handle a wide range of health needs.</p> <p>The accreditation means doctors can now train at Taupō Hospital while developing advanced skills in specialties like obstetrics, anaesthetics, mental health, or endoscopy. This creates a pathway for both New Zealand and Australian medical graduates to gain rural medicine qualifications while serving the local community, potentially easing the burden on patients who currently travel long distances for care.</p> <p>Health Minister Simeon Brown says the development aligns with government commitments to strengthen the rural health workforce, particularly for the one in five Kiwis living in rural areas. </p> <p>Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey highlights that the accreditation complements the existing New Zealand Rural Hospital Medicine Training Programme and creates opportunities for Kiwi doctors working overseas to return home during their training. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Ministry review highlights rural healthcare challenges</strong></p> <p>Meanwhile a new Ministry of Health review shows rural women are facing significantly greater barriers to accessing healthcare services compared to their urban counterparts. The review examined abortion and contraceptive services following the 2020 legislative changes that decriminalised abortion and found that while overall access has improved across New Zealand, concerning gaps remain for rural communities.</p> <p>The Ministry's review revealed that women in remote areas often face lengthy travel times to access surgical procedures and follow-up care, with 43 percent of women accessing surgical abortion services in 2024 having to travel outside their home district. </p> <p>The Ministry highlighted the issue of limited provider options in rural areas, noting that some women may not feel comfortable approaching their primary care provider for certain services due to privacy concerns in smaller communities. This challenge compounds with what the Ministry terms conscientious objection among some providers, further reducing already limited choices for rural women seeking timely care.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Farm owners urged to support struggling contract milkers through drought</strong></p> <p>Contract milkers across key dairying regions are facing severe financial strain as drought conditions force early dry-off, with industry leaders calling for farm owners to step up with support. Federated Farmers Sharefarm Owners group chair Brendan Attrill says the worst affected areas include major milk producing regions such as Waikato, Taranaki, Northland and parts of Manawatu.</p> <p>The situation is particularly dire for those contract milkers paid directly by milk processing companies, with some facing up to four months without income after being forced to dry cows off as early as mid-March. Attrill says these contract milkers won't receive payment until the new season starts, creating an immediate financial crisis for many families.</p> <p>Farm owners are being encouraged to offer financial assistance to see contract milkers through the coming months, with Attrill emphasising that maintaining these working relationships benefits the wider industry. He's urging owners to sit down with contract milkers to develop clear feed management plans, while considering monthly top-up payments to help cover staff wages and basic operational costs. </p> <p> </p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>
April 28, 2025
<p><strong>Trade Minister welcomes Saudi delegation to boost export opportunities, dairy conversion interest surges in Canterbury, and new app tackles parasites on sheep farms.</strong></p> <p>Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather!</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Trade Minister welcomes Saudi delegation to boost export opportunities</strong></p> <p>Trade Minister Todd McClay has welcomed Saudi Arabia's Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture to New Zealand, kickstarting talks aimed at strengthening export opportunities for Kiwi farmers and businesses. Minister AlFadley is leading a delegation of more than 35 senior Saudi officials and business representatives for the 9th New Zealand-Saudi Arabia Joint Ministerial Commission.</p> <p>The high-level meeting builds on momentum following last year's successful conclusion of negotiations for the New Zealand-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement.</p> <p>The Commission will showcase world-class New Zealand agricultural products while promoting investment opportunities in technology and digital innovation sectors.</p> <p>Both Ministers will participate in business outreach activities specifically targeting agriculture, technology and digital innovation during the visit. </p> <p>Saudi Arabia, as the Gulf's largest economy, represents a crucial market for New Zealand exporters, with exports reaching $1.14 billion last year.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Otago egg farm back in business after avian flu eradication</strong></p> <p>Mainland's Otago egg farm is set to begin repopulating after successfully eradicating high pathogenic avian influenza, with biosecurity restrictions now lifted. The H7N6 strain detected in December last year was contained entirely to the Hillgrove property, marking the first-ever case of HPAI in New Zealand.</p> <p>Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard credits the rapid response from both the farmer and MPI as crucial to preventing the spread beyond the initial outbreak. </p> <p>The wider poultry industry played a vital role in containing the outbreak, providing expertise and support throughout the response. This collaborative approach ensured the disease was stamped out quickly, safeguarding the competitive advantage New Zealand farmers enjoy due to our freedom from many pests and diseases.</p> <p>While this H7N6 strain is less virulent than the devastating H5N1 strain that has decimated poultry flocks overseas, the response served as a valuable test of New Zealand's preparedness plans.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Dairy conversion interest surges in Canterbury</strong></p> <p>Canterbury could be on the cusp of another dairy conversion boom as strong milk prices and changing regulations spark renewed interest in expanding the region's dairy footprint. Environment Canterbury has already granted three new conversion consents and one for intensifying an existing farm since the start of this year.</p> <p>Industry insiders report that up to 25 conversions may be underway in Canterbury, which currently produces 14% of New Zealand's milk. The renewed interest coincides with record farmgate milk prices likely to exceed $10 per kilogram of milk solids for the first time, alongside forecasts for another strong season starting June 1st.</p> <p>Fonterra reports conversion and restart numbers across the country have reached double figures, while Synlait Milk is fielding significant inquiries from farmers looking to convert. Banks are reporting increased inquiry levels but say this represents a significant shift from three years ago when conversions weren't being discussed. </p> <p>While Canterbury shows the strongest interest, some conversions are also occurring in Southland, Otago, central North Island and Waikato regions.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>New app tackles parasites on sheep farms</strong></p> <p>A Waimate veterinarian is creating an innovative app to help sheep farmers battle drench resistance, with testing set to begin later this year. Ryan Luckman's DAGI, Drench and Grazing Integration app simplifies the complex challenge of parasite management on farm.</p> <p>The technology guides farmers on optimal grazing decisions for young stock while maintaining refugia – populations of worms not exposed to drench treatments. Luckman developed the concept after recognising how difficult it was for farmers to implement effective Wormwise principles.</p> <p>With over 30 percent of sheep farms now experiencing drench resistance, the app works behind the scenes to alert farmers when paddocks might pose larval risks despite appearing to offer quality feed. This helps break the cycle where parasites reduce feed intake, slow growth, and increase drench dependency.</p> <p>DAGI has earned finalist status in the Fieldays Innovation Awards' Prototype category and received industry support. Luckman is now seeking sheep farmers to participate in testing later this year.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>US trade policy sours outlook for NZ wine heavyweight</strong></p> <p>Oyster Bay producer Delegat is feeling the pinch of international trade tensions with a significant earnings downgrade despite exceptional harvest results. The premium wine exporter has cut profit forecasts to between $47 and $50 million, abandoning earlier projections of $55 to $60 million as American distributors grow increasingly cautious about future commitments.</p> <p>The newly imposed 10 percent US tariff has created a ripple effect throughout Delegat's global distribution network, particularly affecting the crucial April to June sales quarter. This market disruption has forced the company to revise global case sales downward by 5 percent to approximately 3.2 million units according to their NZX statement released today.</p> <p>For grape growers supplying Delegat, the situation presents a frustrating contrast. The 2025 vintage has delivered outstanding quality with volumes soaring nearly 40 percent above last year's harvest levels, creating a potential surplus situation if international sales targets aren't met.</p> <p>Industry analysts suggest this highlights the vulnerability of New Zealand's premium wine sector to overseas trade policies, with American market access becoming increasingly unpredictable.</p> <p><br><br></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>
April 27, 2025
<p><strong>Drought relief payments start today, Southland farmers remain reserved despite strengthening local economy, and social media influences rising cottage cheese demand.</strong></p> <p>Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather!</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Drought relief payments start today</strong></p> <p>Drought assistance payments begin today for farmers, as the effects of the long, dry summer continue to impact farm production. The Rural Assistance Payments, available until October 28, will support eligible farmers whose incomes have been severely affected by drought conditions, across Northland, Waikato, Taranaki, Horizons and the top of the South Island, with support available until spring when farm incomes are forecast to improve.</p> <p>Despite the drought being technically over, its effects will spill over into next season. The dry conditions have already impacted this season's production through lower lamb carcass weights and reduced milk production on dairy farms, with the dry autumn likely to affect lambing percentages next spring as well.</p> <p>Farmers in the affected regions have been adapting to increasingly extreme weather conditions, with many using feed crops to protect lamb growth rates during extended dry periods.</p> <p>Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson encourages affected farmers to contact their local Rural Support Trust to explore available assistance options and apply for the Rural Assistance Payments.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Fed Farmers cautiously welcomes farm plan reforms</strong></p> <p>Federated Farmers is welcoming the Government's proposed improvements to farm plans as a positive step towards a more practical and affordable solution for the rural sector, while emphasising the need to see more detail. The planned overhaul aims to cut unnecessary red tape, compliance costs, and consenting requirements that have burdened farmers in recent years.</p> <p>Vice president Colin Hurst says a tailored farm planning system with a risk-based approach could be a game changer for farmers, potentially replacing expensive and uncertain resource consents and complex council rules.</p> <p>One significant win for farmers is the Government's agreement to reduce the number of farms required to have a plan by raising the threshold from the previous administration's 20 hectares. Federated Farmers had advocated for a 50-hectare threshold as a more pragmatic approach.</p> <p>Another practical improvement is confirmation that farmers won't need new plans when they already have existing industry plans achieving equivalent environmental outcomes. This eliminates unnecessary duplication and additional costs where farmers have already completed plans through dairy companies, meat processors or regional councils.</p> <p>Questions remain however, about certification of farm plans, who will pay for compliance audits, and how security will be maintained under the revised system.</p> <p><strong>Southland farmers remain reserved despite strengthening local economy</strong></p> <p>Economic indicators are pointing to continued growth for Southland, but local farmers remain cautious about celebrating too soon. While Westpac economists report that Southland, Otago and Canterbury are the strongest performing regions in the country, farmers are prioritising debt reduction over increased spending.</p> <p>Despite record Fonterra farmgate milk price forecasts between $9.50 and $10.50 per kilogram of milksolids this season, and beef and sheep farmers expected to earn $1.2 billion nationwide this year, profitability concerns persist in the rural sector.</p> <p>Westpac's latest Regional Roundup shows retail spending in Southland has grown 3% over the past year, with business confidence picking up across the region. Many businesses are planning to increase capital spending in the coming year, though operating cost pressures continue to squeeze profitability, particularly in retail and hospitality sectors.</p> <p>While the economic outlook appears positive, farmers remain uncomfortable with their current financial position, noting they're still not returning the profit needed to maintain long-term profitability..</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Social media influences rising cottage cheese demand</strong></p> <p>Fonterra says cottage cheese sales have surged more than 60% compared to the same quarter last year, as social media drives unprecedented demand for the high-protein dairy product. The dairy giant's consumer sales director Guy Blaikie says the craze continues to accelerate, primarily fueled by social media influencers.</p> <p>Supermarkets are witnessing the trend firsthand, with Woolworths NZ reporting a 50% increase in cottage cheese sales over just the past three months. Foodstuffs has experienced similar growth, with consumption up 50% compared to two years ago.</p> <p>Local producers are struggling to keep pace with demand. Waikato cheesemaker Kelvin Haigh of the Cheese Barn in Matatoki says orders now regularly exceed production capacity, noting the trend is being driven by younger consumers attracted to the product's high protein content.</p> <p>The cottage cheese phenomenon, which began with TikTok videos in the United States about a year ago, has now spread globally. Similar shortages are being reported across Australia, the UK, and America, with producers scrambling to increase production. The low-calorie, high-protein cheese has become particularly popular among health-conscious consumers and is being used in everything from smoothies and pancakes to spreads and dips.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Science passion lands Bulls student farming scholarship</strong></p> <p>Lincoln University student Jonathan Jamieson has been named the latest recipient of Ravensdown's Hugh Williams Memorial Scholarship, recognising his academic excellence and passion for agricultural science. Growing up on a farm near Bulls, Jamieson has always been drawn to agriculture, which led him to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce in agriculture at Lincoln University.</p> <p>Now in his second year of study focusing on agribusiness and agricultural science. His studies have reinforced the importance of soil management, which he sees as the foundation of sustainable agriculture and a responsibility to future generations.</p> <p>Last year, Jamieson received the Prime Minister's Scholarship, enabling him to spend six weeks studying agribusiness in Vietnam. The experience exposed him to innovative farming practices such as combined rice and shrimp farming systems, where shrimp enrich the soil while rice provides a natural habitat for the shrimp.</p> <p>The Hugh Williams Memorial Scholarship offers $5000 annually throughout the recipient's studies at Lincoln or Massey universities. Applications for next year's scholarship close December 15.</p> <p><br><br></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>
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