Farmers Weekly Podcast

(00:00:00) Full Show | May 1 (00:01:30) Australian beef prices take a hit (00:06:40) A farming legacy: PGG Wrightson marks 175 years (00:16:12) New Waikato Feds president’s game plan This week on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we cover key developments shaping the rural sector on both sides of the Tasman. AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington joins us to break down falling Australian beef prices, driven by dry conditions and increased supply, and what looming China quota tariffs could mean for exports. PGG Wrightson chief executive Stephen Guerin reflects on the company’s 175-year legacy and its roots in New Zealand farming history. Plus, Federated Farmers Waikato president Chris Woolerton shares his plans for the role and his commitment to reconnecting with farmers on the ground to better represent their voices.

AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington joins the show to discuss the state of the Australian livestock markets, highlighting a drop in farmgate beef prices after dry weather saw stock surge to the processor.

PGG Wrightson chief executive Stephen Guerin joins the show to talk about the company’s 175th anniversary, which is being marked on May 1. George Gould launched Christchurch’s first general store in May, 1851, beginning a long legacy of farm supply businesses that all contributed to the PGG Wrightson we know today.

Federated Farmers’ new Waikato president Chris Woolerton discusses how he’ll approach his new role, his life in farming, and previous governance roles.

(00:00:00) Full Show | April 24 (00:01:24) Weaner prices ease back in the north (00:06:13) Should I use this tech? An Aussie farmer’s rules for adoption (00:14:47) Farm staff pay levels off a little In this week’s podcast: AgriHQ’s Fiona Quarrie breaks down softer weaner prices in the north as feed shortages hit demand. NSW farmer Mark Mortimer shares his three rules for adopting on-farm tech, from EID to automation. Federated Farmers’ Karl Dean discusses new survey results showing farm staff wages levelling off after recent growth.

New South Wales sheep farmer Mark Mortimer told the AgInnovation conferences the three boxes he needs to tick before adopting any new technology on-farm. Mark has been at the forefront of tech adoption and knowledge transfer in Australia, with insights on everything from EID tagging to automated feed systems.

AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie joins the show for an update on weaner fairs, which have seen young cattle values drop back a little since the beginning of the season.

Federated Farmers’ Karl Dean has the results of the latest Federated Farmers/Rabobank Remuneration Survey, which shows modest gains for farm workers across farming types.

In this week’s podcast: senior reporters Neal Wallace and Richard Rennie unpack forestry’s impact on rural communities, while AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington outlines strong store lamb demand and margins. Federated Farmers Otago president Luke Kane also joins to discuss his recent environmental award win.

Senior reporters Neal Wallace and Richard Rennie join the show to discuss the new Farmers Weekly special report, The Rural Cost of Forestry Conversion, which looks at the growth of exotic forestry in the high country. They’ve talked to concerned farmers, forestry companies and academics who have studied the impact forestry has had on several communities.

AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington gives an update on the store lamb market. She says strong store lamb demand, driven by rain and tight supply, should deliver good margins when lambs go to processing.

Federated Farmers Otago president Luke Kane joins the show to discuss his recent win in the Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards. He and wife Nicole continue a fine tradition for Feds members in the south, with the Kane's being the seventh winner in the past 20 years.

(00:00:00) Full Show | April 10 (00:01:33) Young cattle demand drives market surge (00:07:35) Hurrell looks back as Fonterra eyes future growth (00:23:35) Dog law investigation underway In this week's episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, AgriHQ analyst Suz Bremner discusses the strong demand for young cattle is driving record prices and buyer confidence. Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell reflects on the co-op’s performance and future direction ahead of his departure. And Federated Farmers’ Colin Hannah highlights the need for farmer input into dog law reforms to protect livestock and working dogs.

Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell joins the show to reflect on the co-op’s interim result, the Lactalis sale, and on his term at the top. Hurrell has signaled he will step down soon and says the co-op is primed for its next phase.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner says the South Island calf sales are following a similar trend to the weaner sales in the north, with record prices being paid.

Colin Hannah of Federated Farmers in Northland says the investigation into our current laws around dog ownership need input from the farming community. Feral and unmanaged dogs pose a risk to people and livestock, and Colin says any law changes need to take account of how working dogs are managed.

This week’s podcast covers Silver Fern Farms’ return to profit and growing calls for an inquiry into vegetable processing closures and food resilience, featuring senior reporter Neal Wallace and Green Party ag spokesperson Steve Abel.

Green Party agriculture spokesperson Steve Abel discusses his call for an inquiry into McCain and Heinz Wattie’s closures, highlighting concerns over food resilience and local production.

Senior reporter Neal Wallace discusses Silver Fern Farms’ annual result, which reveals a turn to profitability after a loss last year.

(00:00:00) Full Show | March 27 (00:02:09) Aussie farmers up against global forces (00:07:10) Uncertain future for vegetable and grain growers (00:15:40) Foreign investors back in the game (00:25:31) Feds submits to Health and Safety Amendment Bill This week on Farmers Weekly Podcast, we unpack the mounting global and local pressures shaping agriculture. AgriHQ’s Alex Coddington breaks down turmoil in Australia’s red meat sector following a controversial EU trade deal, while Central Hawke’s Bay mayor Will Foley raises alarm over the future of NZ vegetable and grain production after major processing pullbacks. We also explore renewed interest from foreign investors in New Zealand’s primary industries with Findex’s Hayden Dillon, and Federated Farmers weighs in on proposed health and safety law changes impacting the sector.