As the kiwifruit harvest enters a crucial peak period packhouses are managing to process most of the product coming in their doors. A Woodville sharemilker might be just one of many who has had to make the tough call to dry off his herd two months early. Last year’s big story – Mycoplasma bovis eradication – has dropped under the radar but a significant milestone was reached in the last week with 150,000 cattle slaughtered, exceeding the estimates given for the whole 10-year programme. And, finally, spare a thought for the 200-odd staff out of a job at the Bauer Media titles, many of which, like the Listener, have been household names for up to 90 years. We will all be the poorer for their loss.
Fieldays postponed indefinitely
No more Rural Catch, innovations awards or catch-up opportunities for thousands of cockies – at least not in the immediate future. Fieldays might be an online event this year though organisers are open to reviewing their decision later in the year.
Slow recovery for red meat, dairy slightly down
ANZ and Rabobank forecasters are tipping it will take time for New Zealand’s commodity markets to return to normal. They are the most bullish about beef, pointing to China's gradual return to normal food buying patterns though in supermarkets rather than restaurants. ANZ’s analysts predict a milk price next year of $6.45, a significant drop from their forecast of $7.10 for this year.
Farm sales at a standstill
While transactions that were completed before the lockdown are still being processed, potential farm buyers will have to check over properties from in front of a computer screen from now on. Bayleys say auctions have given way to tenders and they are looking at novel ways of working without physically visiting properties. On the plus side the agri-sector is in a better position than most others.
Kiwifruit processing holds up
NZ’s largest kiwifruit packhouse Trevalyn’s is operating at 92% of its capacity as it and other industry players come to grips with new realities. And despite Italy’s high covid-19 casualty rate the kiwifruit industry has managed to continue there without much interruption.
Sharemilker dries off herd early
Woodville dairy farmer Nick Bertram believes he’s not the only one being faced with the tough decision of drying off his herd nearly two months earlier than usual. The dry conditions this season have forced him to make the call after he ran out of supplementary feed. Meanwhile, Northland farmers will suffer a feed deficit right through winter.
Tonight on Sarah's Country :
The Poll: The Government will invest heavily in infrastructure to keep the economy afloat. Should water storage be at the top of the list?
7.10pm – New Zealand Winegrowers chief executive Philip Gregan discusses how harvest is going amid the lockdown and what supply chain impacts the virus is having on wine sales.
7.20pm – Farm 4 Life personality Tangaroa Walker provides inspiration in a farming world that is not business as usual.
7.30pm – Q&A with AbacusBio sheep and beef consultant Simon Glennie on how to manage feed and stock with slaughter being delayed by covid-19.
7.40pm – Q&A with NZAB’s Scott Wishart on navigating finance in uncertain times.
