This is just as apparent in the agriculture sector as any other.
While there is still a place for traditional offerings such as Country Calendar, the occasional farming pages in newspapers and specialist radio shows, the future of media is more and more online, podcasting, interactive television and social channels. Just look at how Fieldays and agri-excellence awards have risen to the challenge of covid-19 by successfully presenting virtual events.
Farmers have to wade through a multitude of information sources every day to find something that serves their individual needs. Among the media the winners will be those who best cater to their readers and listeners with a rich diet of data, commentary and analysis.
Gerard Hutching
Land manager retires
Horizons land management adviser Kevin Rooke has retired after 45 years in the game. He says the work regional councils do in looking after the land is vital.
Challenging times for meat exports
Covid-19 is playing havoc with meat exports as many countries fear a second wave is on the way, affecting the restaurant trade. Exporters agree on the need for a diverse range of market options and channels.
LIC’s steady result
LIC directors have not resiled from their advocacy of the failed $100 million proposal to invest in Israeli dairy technology company Afimilk though chairman Murray King said it would have extended the firm.
Drought lingers
Hawke’s Bay farmers are taking stock following one of the worst droughts in memory. Thought is being given to increasing access to money in the mayoral drought fund.
M bovis in retreat
Three years since the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis was detected in New Zealand the number of properties infected has dropped to just four, indicating eradication might be achievable.
Tonight on Sarah’s Country
7.10pm – We will discuss the new guidance on the performance and design of constructed farm wetlands to reduce nitrate leaching by 25-50% with DairyNZ environmental manager Aslan Wright-Stow to boost on-farm environmental mitigation.
7.20pm – Six government departments have come together to create a clear path to grow the $1.5 billion agri-tech sector. Simon Yarrow from Callaghan Innovation will discuss how the plans link strongly to Te Taiao, aimed at increasing the primary sector’s value over volume.
7.30pm – We get a grassroots look at the challenges facing a Southland riparian planting company with Tammy Wright from Fork and Spade. She will share what natives work best to filter water, prevent erosion and how the industry can attract more into green jobs in companies like hers.
7.40pm – New Zealand’s world-first effort to eradicate the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis has made significant progress in three years since it was detected. We get an update from the Ministry for Primary Industries’ chief scientist Dr John Roche and put your questions to him.
