Early Bird Rural News with Richard Baddiley Por arte de portada

Early Bird Rural News with Richard Baddiley

De: Proud Country Network
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  • Resumen

  • Are you short on time to digest all of of New Zealand's rural news? Well we are about to change your life!

    Hosted by award-winning newsreader, Richard Baddiley, Early Bird is the short rural news bulletin podcast curated just for you.

    Delivered at 5am from Monday-Friday covering the top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand so you have better chat beyond the weather.

    Have a press release you'd like shared on the show?

    Email richard@countrywidemedia.co.nz
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Episodios
  • Early Bird I Thursday July 11th 2024

    Early Bird I Thursday July 11th 2024
    Jul 10 2024
    Decision day is here for Synlait shareholders, Climate Minister charts course for New Zealands’ green future and Lincoln University unveils groundbreaking energy farm project. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather! Decision day is here for Synlait shareholders Synlait Milk faces a critical juncture as shareholders prepare for a pivotal vote today in Dunsandel, Canterbury. The meeting will determine whether the dairy processor can accept a $130 million lifeline from its major shareholder, China's Bright Dairy. Chairman George Adams describes the situation as a 'vote or die wondering' moment for shareholders. The loan is crucial for Synlait to meet a $130 million payment due to its banks on Monday. Bright Dairy, holding a 39.01% stake, cannot vote on the resolution. The company's second-largest shareholder, a2 Milk with a 19.8% stake, has yet to reveal its voting intentions. Adams encourages all shareholders to participate, noting that even if a2 Milk opposes the proposal, other minority shareholders could still approve it. He warns that a failed vote would place directors in a precarious position, potentially leading to voluntary administration. The New Zealand Shareholders Association has announced its intention to vote in favour of the loan, viewing it as essential for the company's survival. Synlait is also working on a capital raise to address its strained balance sheet. The company's main challenge stems from its underutilised $400 million nutrition facility in Pōkeno. Synlait's shares have plummeted 84.3% over the past year, trading at 25.5 cents. The vote represents a critical moment for the company's future and its stakeholders. Climate Minister charts course for New Zealands’ green future Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has unveiled the Government's new climate strategy at an event in Auckland. The three-page document outlines five core pillars aimed at reducing the impacts of climate change and preparing for its future effects. The strategy focuses on resilient infrastructure, credible climate transition markets, abundant clean energy, world-leading climate innovation, and nature-based solutions. While the document sets aspirational goals, it lacks specific details on implementation. Watts announced that consultation on the Emissions Reduction Plan for 2026 to 2030 will begin within the next two weeks. This plan will detail policy proposals across various sectors, including energy, transport, agriculture, and waste. The climate announcement follows recent changes to fuel efficiency standards, which have been relaxed after industry lobbying. Watts defended this move, stating it aligns New Zealand with Australian standards and will have a minimal impact on overall emissions. Watts has also emphasised the opportunities presented by climate change. He highlighted New Zealand's potential in clean tech and agritech sectors, particularly in developing solutions for water transportation and livestock emissions reduction. Watts framed climate change not just as a challenge, but as an opportunity for New Zealand to leverage its strengths in innovation and technology. He stressed the potential for exporting low-emission technologies to help other economies transition to a low-carbon future. As the Government sets out its climate strategy, the focus now turns to the upcoming Emissions Reduction Plan and how these ambitious goals will be translated into actionable policies. Federated Farmers challenge current water regulations Federated Farmers is urging a pause in the implementation of freshwater regulations by regional councils until the government introduces its new policy. This call comes as part of their submission on the Resource Manager Amendment Bill. The federation argues that some councils, such as Otago, are implementing policies based on the previous government's approach, despite the current administration's intention to replace the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. In their submission, Federated Farmers requests the exclusion of the water quality standard, Te Mana o te Wai, and the current hierarchy of obligations from resource consent applications. They contend that the current process lacks balance between environmental, economic, social, and cultural values. They are also seeking removal of low slope map legislation controlling grazing access for livestock and calling for the repeal of winter grazing regulations. They suggest farm plans as a more effective approach to managing these issues. Additionally, Federated Farmers is requesting a three-year suspension of the requirement for councils to identify significant natural areas. They argue that this policy has led to overly broad restrictions on land use and development in some regions. Fed Farmers maintains that continuing to develop plans under the current framework...
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    9 m
  • Early Bird I Wednesday July 10th 2024

    Early Bird I Wednesday July 10th 2024
    Jul 9 2024
    GE or not GE? Farms face genetic crossroads, AgResearch eyes breakthrough in pasture science, and New Zealand’s top Young Farmers face ultimate test. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather! GE or not GE? Farms face genetic crossroads, New Zealand is on the brink of a potential agricultural revolution, with the government set to unveil its plans for genetic engineering within months. The proposed changes could significantly impact the country's farming practices and export markets. Sources suggest New Zealand may adopt an 'Australia-plus' model, with a two-tiered system for approving genetic modifications. This could streamline the process for certain types of gene editing while maintaining strict controls on others. The focus appears to be on modifying pasture grasses to reduce methane emissions from livestock, a move that could help address environmental challenges. However, there's caution about extending GE to animals, with exceptions possibly made for animal welfare improvements. Industry experts are divided on the benefits. Some, like Prem Maan of Southern Pastures, warn that GE could jeopardise New Zealand's premium export status. Others, including John Caradus from Grasslanz, argue that GE is necessary to meet environmental targets. Dairy NZ has released an information package to prepare farmers for potential changes. The document outlines possible applications of GE in agriculture, including disease resistance in ryegrass and improved nutritional content in pastures. While the government sees GE as a natural progression in agricultural innovation, critics argue that being GE-free has been a valuable selling point for New Zealand exports. As the country awaits the government's announcement, the debate continues on how best to balance innovation, environmental concerns, and market positioning in New Zealand's crucial agricultural sector AgResearch eyes breakthrough in pasture science Meanwhile AgResearch and its partners are pushing the boundaries of agricultural innovation with gene-edited ryegrass trials. They're seeking approval from the Environmental Protection Authority for contained outdoor tests of ryegrass with modified Epichloë endophytes. These endophytes, which live inside the grass, could boost plant protection and reduce the need for chemical pesticides. The trials, if approved, would be the first outdoor tests of genetically modified plants in New Zealand since 2010. Meanwhile, AgResearch's high metabolisable energy ryegrass project is advancing. Scientists have replaced a sesame component with one from rice, addressing potential allergy concerns. This modified ryegrass shows promise in reducing methane emissions and improving animal nutrition. In Australia, field trials are underway for high condensed tannin white clover. This genetically modified clover could cut methane emissions by over 15% and reduce bloat in livestock. These developments represent significant strides in sustainable farming practices, potentially offering solutions to key environmental and productivity challenges in New Zealand's agricultural sector. Meat minds to meet in Wellington Wellington is set to host a major gathering of New Zealand's red meat industry later this month. The annual Red Meat Sector Conference, scheduled for July 22-23 at the Tākina Wellington Convention Centre, will bring together over 300 industry leaders. This key event, organised by the Meat Industry Association with Beef + Lamb New Zealand as a partner, will focus on the theme 'From Our Pasture To Your Plate'. It aims to address emerging topics across the global red meat supply chain. MIA chair Nathan Guy highlights the conference's timing, noting the challenges of weaker global pricing facing sheep and beef farmers and exporters. The event will explore opportunities for innovation, trade, sustainability, and value growth. Notable speakers include Ray Smith from the Ministry for Primary Industries, Patrick Hutchinson of the Australian Meat Industry Council, and international trade expert Stephen Jacobi. Breakout sessions will cover topics ranging from emerging technology to climate change and biosecurity. The conference will culminate in a gala dinner featuring chef Dale Bowie, who will demonstrate innovative techniques blending science and cookery to showcase New Zealand's grass-fed red meat. This gathering serves as a crucial platform for industry engagement, coming at a time when the sector faces significant market challenges and opportunities for innovation New Zealand’s top Young Farmers face ultimate test New Zealand's top young farmers are gearing up for a high-stakes showdown at the Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final in Hamilton. The three-day event, kicking off on Thursday, will push contestants to their limits in a series of challenging tasks. Seven grand finalists will ...
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    7 m
  • Early Bird I Tuesday July 9th 2024

    Early Bird I Tuesday July 9th 2024
    Jul 8 2024
    Dairy giants future lays with this weeks Synlait shareholder vote, Gisborne farmers face land use shakeup, and Beef + Lamb NZ hits the road looking for farmers’ voices. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather! Dairy giants future lays with this weeks Synlait shareholder vote South Island dairy company Synlait Milk faces a critical moment as it heads into a crucial vote this Thursday. The outcome will determine the firm's future and its ability to continue operations. At the heart of the matter is a $130 million loan offered by Synlait's largest shareholder, China's Bright Dairy. This funding is essential for Synlait to repay bank loans due on July 15th. While Bright Dairy cannot vote, the loan's approval hinges on other shareholders, notably A2 Milk, which owns about 20% of Synlait. A2 Milk has not disclosed its voting intentions. Synlait chairperson George Adams emphasised that the company's fate lies with institutional and retail investors, who collectively own 41% of shares. He reports that initial feedback from these investors has been encouraging. Adams urges all shareholders to cast their votes, stating that if the loan is not approved, Synlait will have limited options. The board would need to discuss alternatives, which may include voluntary administration if the company becomes unable to meet its financial obligations. The deadline for proxy votes is this afternoon, with the special shareholders meeting scheduled for Thursday afternoon. New report forecasts New Zealand's milk growth slowing to a trickle New Zealand's dairy industry faces moderate growth in the coming decade, according to the latest OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook. The report indicates our milk production will likely increase by just half a percent annually over the next ten years. This limited expansion stems from land and environmental constraints. While New Zealand accounts for only 2.5% of global milk output, we remain the world's most export-oriented dairy nation. After two decades of strong growth, our milk production has levelled off and is expected to continue this trend. The outlook maintains that New Zealand, along with the European Union and United States, will continue to dominate global dairy exports, collectively accounting for nearly 70% of the market. Our nation leads in butter and whole milk powder exports, while the EU excels in cheese, and the US has taken the lead in skim milk powder. Globally, milk production is forecast to grow at 1.6% annually, outpacing many other agricultural commodities. India is set to retain its position as the world's largest milk producer, with China remaining the top importer of dairy products. The report highlights challenges facing major dairy exporters, including economic and environmental hurdles. While plant-based alternatives are gaining ground in certain regions, their long-term impact on dairy demand remains uncertain. Environmental legislation could significantly influence dairy production's future, potentially leading to innovative solutions that enhance the sector's long-term competitiveness. The outlook also notes that India's potential integration into the global dairy market could have far-reaching effects. Climate change and extreme weather events pose additional threats to milk production in affected countries. However, the report suggests that efficiency gains in countries with large cattle populations could help mitigate global greenhouse gas emissions from the dairy sector. As the industry evolves, New Zealand's dairy farmers and processors must navigate these challenges while maintaining our strong position in the global market. Gisborne farmers face land use shakeup Gisborne farmers face potential changes to their operations as the region's council unveils new land adaptation plans. These initiatives aim to address erosion risks across Tairāwhiti, with significant implications for agricultural practices. The council's 'Overlay 3B' classification targets the most erosion-prone areas in the region. This new approach may require some farmers to transition their land into permanent vegetation cover, marking a notable shift in land use. Council chief executive Nedine Thatcher Swann explains that advanced technology has been used to identify high-risk areas for landslides and their impact on waterways. This data-driven approach could reshape farming landscapes across Gisborne. While the Eastland Wood Council views the new mapping favourably, the impact on individual farmers remains a key concern. The council anticipates significant changes in land management practices, which could affect agricultural operations. Notably, Federated Farmers was unable to comment at the time of the report, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty surrounding these changes for the farming community. The council plans to investigate the economic,...
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    9 m
Economía
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