Farmers Weekly Podcast

In this week’s episode, senior reporter Neal Wallace covers severe weather impacts and sheep traceability, while AgriHQ’s Alex Coddington previews strong demand and high expectations ahead of beef weaner sales. Feature guest Glenn Bewley from Woolworths discusses food security and sustainability, and Federated Farmers’ Mark Hooper raises concerns about potential water taxes and infrastructure investment.News Wrap | Flood recovery and the push for sheep traceability1:40 – In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, senior reporter Neal Wallace joins the show to unpack the impact of recent severe weather across New Zealand, including widespread flooding and the challenges farmers are facing on the ground. The discussion also turns to sheep traceability and what it could mean for strengthening biosecurity and accountability within the sector.AgriHQ Insight | Strong buying demand shapes weaner sales9:30 – AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington shares his outlook for the livestock market ahead of the beef weaner sales. Strong schedules, solid buying power and a favourable growing season are setting the scene for high prices. Alex discusses what’s driving market confidence – and the risks farmers should consider when making purchasing decisions in a shifting market.Feature | The realities of food security in New Zealand14:13 – Glenn Bewley, Woolworths’ merchandise manager for vegetables and horticulture, joins the show to unpack the realities of food security in New Zealand. He discusses the value of strong, direct relationships with growers, the pressures created by extreme weather and urban encroachment, and why sustainability is becoming increasingly critical to the future of fresh produce supply.Feds Focus | Water tax must be ruled out24:30 – Federated Farmers is calling for amendments to the proposed resource management legislation so future governments cannot impose taxes on water. Mark Hooper says while the current government has ruled a water tax out, the legislation leaves the option on the table for those to come.The Final Word | Investment in infrastructure a priority28:57 – Climate scientists say storms like the one we experience this week are the new normal – that while we won’t necessarily get more storms, those we do get will be more intense. But are we tackling this challenge with the investment, ambition and actions that will sustain our rural communities?

Glenn Bewley, Woolworths’ merchandise manager for vegetables and horticulture, joins the show to unpack the realities of food security in New Zealand. He discusses the value of strong, direct relationships with growers, the pressures created by extreme weather and urban encroachment, and why sustainability is becoming increasingly critical to the future of fresh produce supply.

In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, senior reporter Neal Wallace joins the show to unpack the impact of recent severe weather across New Zealand, including widespread flooding and the challenges farmers are facing on the ground. The discussion also turns to sheep traceability and what it could mean for strengthening biosecurity and accountability within the sector.

On this week’s Farmers Weekly Podcast, AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington shares her outlook for the livestock market ahead of the beef weaner sales. Strong schedules, solid buying power and a favourable growing season are setting the scene for high prices. Alex discusses what’s driving market confidence, and the risks farmers should consider when making purchasing decisions in a shifting market.

Federated Farmers is calling for amendments to the proposed resource management legislation so future governments cannot impose taxes on water. Mark Hooper says while the current government has ruled a water tax out, the legislation leaves the option on the table for those to come.

Strong cattle demand continues to push prices higher, with a standout Matawhero sale delivering exceptional returns despite East Coast road closures. AgriHQ analyst Suz Bremner explains the impact of weather and tight supply on the market. Blair Rooney from Farm Focus discusses how AI is helping farmers improve financial management through smarter data analysis. Haast farmer Simon Cameron reflects on representing New Zealand at a major global agriculture forum in Berlin, while Federated Farmers raises concerns over generator charges for storm-hit farmers.AgriHQ Insight | Sky-high cattle prices despite East Coast disruptions1:51 – AgriHQ analyst Suz Bremner says the ongoing demand for cattle, particularly in light of recent weather challenges, has led to remarkable pricing trends in the market. A highlight of the week was a consignment of adult cattle sold at Matawhero, with prices sky high despite a change of venue with East Coast roads closed.Feature | How AI can work for your farm finances7:10 – Blair Rooney from Farm Focus discusses the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial management for farmers. He emphasises that AI is not meant to replace human decision-making but to assist in making better and faster decisions. The discussion covers the benefits of AI in analyzing large data sets, the importance of building trust in AI technology, and the future potential of AI in agriculture, particularly in data utilisation and analysis.Feature | Global farming reps meet in Europe19:35 – Haast farmer Simon Cameron recently travelled to the annual Global Forum for Food and Agriculture in Berlin, where he was part of the International Young Farmers’ Forum. He shares his experience.Feds Focus | Generator charges hit storm-blown farmers29:15 – Jason Herrick of Federated Farmers Southland says the money being charged for generators during the recent wind storms was exorbitant, and he’s asking for a rethink on how aid is delivered to those in need.The Final Word | Innovating with intent35:33 – While many commentators rail against “Frankenfood” and the protein alternatives now on the market, they fail to see the benefits that food technology brings the sector, and to those people who can’t afford meat, milk and cheese.

Blair Rooney from Farm Focus discusses the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial management for farmers. He emphasises that AI is not meant to replace human decision-making but to assist in making better and faster decisions. The discussion covers the benefits of AI in analyzing large data sets, the importance of building trust in AI technology, and the future potential of AI in agriculture, particularly in data utilisation and analysis.

AgriHQ analyst Suz Bremner tells Bryan the ongoing demand for cattle, particularly in light of recent weather challenges, has led to remarkable pricing trends in the market. A highlight of the week was a consignment of adult cattle sold at Matawhero, with prices sky high despite a change of venue with East Coast roads closed.

Haast farmer Simon Cameron recently travelled to the annual Global Forum for Food and Agriculture in Berlin, where he was part of the International Young Farmers’ Forum. He tells Bryan about his experience.

Jason Herrick of Federated Farmers Southland says the money being charged for generators during the recent wind storms was exorbitant, and he’s asking for a rethink on how aid is delivered to those in need.

(00:00:00) Full Show | 5 February (00:01:55) Can red meat farmers bank on record prices? (00:13:30) Inside the challenges facing NZ’s specialty cheese sector (00:25:07) Canterbury crops under pressure after soggy summer In this week's episode, AgriHQ analyst Mel Croad talks about red meat prices, Whitestone Cheese managing director Simon Berry unpacks the challenges for artisan cheese, and Federated Farmers arable spokesperson David Birkett talks about winter feed risks following a wet summer.Market Insights | Can red meat farmers bank on record prices?1:56 – AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad says red meat farmers looking at the sector’s current high prices are still trying to determine how far into the future they can bank on them. Having seen prices boom, then bust before, many are seeking confirmation the sector is experiencing a structural upward shift in prices that they can bank on for making longer term farm business decisions, including whether to increase breeding stock numbers.Feature | Inside the challenges facing NZ’s specialty cheese sector13:30 – Whitestone Cheese managing director Simon Berry outlines some of the challenges the sector is facing at present. They include the cost-of-living crisis making consumers more wary of spending more on luxuries like artisan cheeses, the high ongoing regulatory costs producers face if they want to expand through export ventures, and the uncertainty the sale of NZ’s largest specialty cheesemaker Kāpiti to French company Lactalis brings to the sector.Feds Focus | Canterbury crops under pressure after soggy summer25:08 – While the wetter summer has been a positive for pastoral farmers it has made growing and harvesting crops in Canterbury extremely challenging. For dairy farmers the summer has meant less irrigation, but it also means supplies of winter supplement crops may be harder to secure given the impacts weather has had. David is encouraging dairy farmers to start a conversation sooner than later with their arable crop growing partners to ensure they have a clear idea how much will be available, and start a Plan B for crop supply now if necessary.

Whitestone Cheese managing director Simon Berry outlines some of the challenges the sector is facing at present. They include the cost of living crisis making consumers more wary of spending more on luxuries like artisan cheeses, the high ongoing regulatory costs producers face if they want to expand through export ventures, and the uncertainty the sale of NZ’s largest specialty cheesemaker Kāpiti to French company Lactalis brings to the sector.

AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad says red meat farmers looking at the sector’s current high prices are still trying to determine how far into the future they can bank on them.Having seen prices boom, then bust before, many are seeking confirmation the sector is experiencing a structural upward shift in prices that they can bank on for making longer term farm business decisions, including whether to increase breeding stock numbers.

While the wetter summer has been a positive for pastoral farmers it has made growing and harvesting crops in Canterbury extremely challenging. For dairy farmers the summer has meant less irrigation, but it also means supplies of winter supplement crops may be harder to secure given the impacts weather has had. Federated Farmers arable chair David Birkett is encouraging dairy farmers to start a conversation sooner than later with their arable crop growing partners to ensure they have a clear idea how much will be available, and start a Plan B for crop supply now if necessary.

In this episode, AgriHQ’s Fiona Quarrie discusses strong lamb and ewe sales after recent rain, Sam Hogg shares how ecological farming can cut emissions and boost profits, and Jason Herrick from Federated Farmers unpacks Southland’s local service reform ideas. Market Insights | Strong rainfall sends buyers back to the yards1:25 – AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie says recent rain in regions like Hawke’s Bay and Canterbury have been game changing for farmers who are now heading back to the saleyards to restock. Recent store lamb and ewe sales have been very strong, and will continue to be for a while yet. Feature | Why ecological farming is gaining ground7:30 – Sam Hogg has teamed up with his mate Sam Lang to write a chapter for the upcoming book Kiwis in climate: Solutions from Aotearoa New Zealand. Hogg told Bryan that viewing a farm as an ecosystem could transform the way it is managed and reduce emissions, build climate resilience and boost profits.  Feds Focus | Southland leading discussion on local government reform17:55 – Jason Herrick from Federated Farmers in Southland says local bodies there have been discussing how to rationalise services for more than a year, and the region could provide a blueprint for others.Follow the Farmers Weekly Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Send us your feedback or get in touch at farmers.weekly@agrihq.co.nz

Sam Hogg has teamed up with his mate Sam Lang to write a chapter for the upcoming book Kiwis in climate: Solutions from Aotearoa New Zealand. Hogg told Bryan that viewing a farm as an ecosystem could transform the way it is managed and reduce emissions, build climate resilience and boost profits.

AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie says recent rain in regions like Hawke’s Bay and Canterbury have been game changing for farmers who are now heading back to the saleyards to restock. Recent store lamb and ewe sales have been very strong, and will continue to be for a while yet.

Jason Herrick from Federated Farmers in Southland says local bodies there have been discussing how to rationalise services for more than a year, and the region could provide a blueprint for others.

This week, AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington joins the studio to break down red meat markets, why prices are holding near record highs, and what global demand, climate shocks and trade risks mean for NZ farmers.Then Fonterra organics GM Andrew Henderson explains why the co-op will begin collecting organic milk in the South Island from 2028, driven by strong global demand, tight supply and customer pull.Market Insights | What’s propping up red meat prices1:20 – AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington joins the studio this week to talk about red meat markets. Alex unpacks why strong global demand for protein is underpinning sheep and beef values, the trade risks facing Australia, and why New Zealand farmers are comparatively well placed in a shifting global market.Feature | Fonterra targets South Island for organic expansion6:15 – Fonterra’s general manager of organics Andrew Henderson discusses the co-op’s planned expansion of organic milk collection to the South Island in 2028. He explains that strong global demand, supply shortages, and customer requests are driving the move. Henderson also shares insights into the logistics of processing organic milk, highlighting the Stirling site’s ability to handle smaller volumes from local farmers.

Fonterra’s general manager of organics Andrew Henderson discusses the co-op’s planned expansion of organic milk collection to the South Island in 2028. He explains that strong global demand, supply shortages, and customer requests are driving the move. Henderson also shares insights into the logistics of processing organic milk, highlighting the Stirling site’s ability to handle smaller volumes from local farmers.