YEAR IN REVIEW
ANIMAL HEALTH
AGRIBUSINESS
The good, the bad and the ugly. Rural News gives their review of 2019. PAGE 6-7
Close ties between farmers strengthens animal traceability.
Farmlands Cooperative quits the real estate business. PAGE 16
PAGE 23
TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS DECEMBER 17, 2019: ISSUE 691
www.ruralnews.co.nz
A woke joke? DAVID ANDERSON
AGRICULTURE MINISTER Damien O’Connor’s much-vaunted Primary Sector Council (PSC) has released its big plan for the sector. However, the actual details of how and when it will ever be implemented are yet to be fleshed out. A key part of the PSC’s remit, when O’Connor established it back in April 2018, was to “develop a sector-wide vision”. Last week, the PSC launched its self-described “bold, new vision for New Zealand’s agriculture, food and fibres sector” – titled: ‘Fit for a better world’. Its big idea is: “for New Zealand’s agriculture, food and fibres sector to be a world-leader in modern regenerative production systems”. PSC chair Lain Jager says it is about
providing the world’s most discerning consumers with outstanding, ethically produced food, natural fibres, drinks, co-products and bio-products. “As global environmental pressures continue to mount, this is about us standing for a sustainable future in a way that both speaks to and honours both our global consumers and our children.” Meanwhile, a key part of PSC’s vision is the Māori concept of Taiao, “putting the health of the climate, land,
water and living systems first. It provides a uniquely New Zealand way to shape the future”. However, just how this “bold new vision” will be achieved is still unclear as the PSC is still developing its final report and recommendations, which are not expected until March 2020. Following this, a new governmentindustry body – Food and Fibres Aotearoa New Zealand – will be set up to “bring the vision to life”. O’Connor praised the PSC’s work
She’s a bit wet Floodwaters at Rangitata after major flooding hit both sides of the South Island in early December. On the East Coast, the Rangitata River burst its banks, closing State Highway 1 and the inland route bridges for several days. The worst affected farms were on South Canterbury’s Rangitata Island, an area of lush farmland bounded by the main North Branch of the Rangitata River and the normally dry South Branch, between State Highway 1 and the coast. A number of farms in the region were badly affected with flooded houses, dairy sheds and paddocks. Nearly a week into the emergency, both branches were still flowing, and Rangitata Island remained extensively flooded, with the water only slowly receding. See full story page 3.
and said he established it “to provide fresh thinking and develop a vision to help the sector navigate the environmental and sustainability challenges it faces”. “By using ‘Fit for a Better World’ as our guide, I’m confident we’ll achieve premiums in the marketplace for our food and produce.” Earlier investigations by Rural News, revealed that estimated annual costs for the 14 member PSC were expected to exceed $500,000.
IT’S ALL A1 AT A2 A2 MILK Company interim chief executive Geoffrey Babidge says it will be business as usual for the premium brand milk processor. “I have already had the benefit of reviewing the company’s strategy and position and can say I don’t envisage any material change to the plan that the board and senior management have in place,” he told an investor briefing last week. Babidge, who retired from the role 16 months ago, agreed to return on an interim basis after the shock resignation of Jayne Hrdlicka. In a market announcement, Hrdlicka said she had not anticipated the amount of travel involved when she took up the role 18 months ago. A2 chairman David Hearn says Hrdlicka’s departure wasn’t performance related. Babidge says a2 Milk’s commitment to building a China and US business with multi-channel distribution capability will not change. Hearn says the plan’s implementation will be the intensive focus of the next three to five years. Following the announcement of Hrdlicka’s departure, a2 Milk share price dropped, but has since recovered. The company says a global search for a new chief executive will start immediately. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
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