In fact there are question marks over the provenance of some of the foreign oils and they can be prone to spoilage en route to markets through being exposed to damaging ultra-violet rays.
The quality of NZ oil has yet again been validated, this time at the 2020 New York International Olive Oil Competition. Growers from Waiheke Island to Kapiti and Canterbury picked up seven gold medals.
The local olive oil industry might not be a huge contributor to the economy and, yes, prices can be prohibitive but the fact it’s excellence is internationally recognised should be celebrated.
Dairy cow prices on the rebound
Prices for dairy cows have bounced back after being affected by covid-19 and drought and buoyant sales to China have provided important cashflow for hard-pressed farmers.
Transported livestock must be tagged
Changes to Nait rules mean it will be illegal to transport untagged cattle and deer, unless they have an unsafe-to-tag exemption. New legislation takes effect on June 14.
Assistance fit for purpose?
The Ministry for Primary Industries is reviewing the way farmers are helped through adverse events, which might result in an overhaul of the process. Questions have been raised over the role of water and feed help as well as advice and support.
Uphill battle for venison
Venison export marketers are switching focus to the retail and online sectors to take up the slack following the collapse of the restaurant trade. Of all the red meats, venison sales have been the hardest hit.
Sharemilker keeps fit on farm
Taranaki sharemilker Kane Brisco takes his work-life balance seriously, to the point the ex-rugby player has built his own gym. He was impelled to do it because the nearest workout is a long distance away.
Tonight on Sarah’s Country
7.10pm – Financial institutions are becoming increasingly cautious about farm lending so why not try leasing your dairy herd? StockCo general manager Will Purvis joins us to discuss how farmers can tap into a $1 billion fund.
7.20pm – Foreign wool buyers are threatening to walk away from contracts with New Zealand exporters as they fight to survive the global coronavirus lockdown. Masurel Fils managing director Peter Whiteman will discuss the massive challenges the wool industry faces post-covid.
7.30pm – The sale yards have reopened under level two, clearing a backlog of store and prime stock. However, the lockdown saw the rise of online trading platforms. StockX managing director Jason Roebuck will talk us through the market dynamics of online trading behaviours.
7.40pm – Northland has experienced the worst drought in generations. Kaipara Mayor Dr Jason Smith shares the situation and his frustrations with the shovel-ready infrastructure projects not happening quickly enough.
