Once again New Zealanders can touch wood and be thankful the worst of the virus has been kept from their shores.
Covid will continue to be the big story for everyone, food producers included, this year.
But there are other issues to keep an eye on. The UK finally has its trade deal with the European Union, but that doesn’t solve the quota issue for NZ red meat exporters.
China continues to clap back at nations that criticise it.
And, for now, Donald Trump is still in the White House and hasn’t shown any signs of leaving.
Still, summer’s been pretty good here. Many regions are reporting good rainfall over the festive period and supplementary feed is plentiful.
It’s going to be another big year, but after getting through 2020, we must like our chances of thriving in 2021.
Bryan Gibson
QualityNZ key to India market
The covid-19 pandemic has been a glitch, but Alliance Group remains confident demand for red meat will make India the next China.
Partnership to foster rural leadership
Two new scholarships are being offered to help develop rural leadership in the Whanganui region.
Proof of profitability in the north
Far North beef farmers Dennis and Rachelle O’Callaghan have spent 20 years refining the most profitable and sustainable management system for their land and have shared every step of the way with fellow farmers and rural professionals.
a2 Milk to pump $120m into Mataura Valley
A2 Milk has agreed to the terms to snap up a large portion of Mataura Valley Milk (MVM) and plans to invest about $120 million in the facility during the next two-to-three years.
Survey reveals rise in food waste
A survey released with festive consumption in mind has revealed the level of food waste from New Zealand households is equivalent to about a sixth of every home’s food budget, with fresh produce accounting for one of the most wasted categories.
