Whole milk leads third consecutive Global Dairy Trade rise, groundbreaking livestock research centre opens in Taupo, and nominees named for tenth annual Zanda McDonald Awards.

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!

 

Whole milk leads third consecutive Global Dairy Trade rise

Another round of encouraging market signals, with the Global Dairy Trade auction recording its third consecutive increase. The overall trade index advanced one-point-nine percent, building on the nearly five percent gain from two weeks ago.

Whole milk powder led the market higher with a three-point-two percent increase, following its four-point-four percent gain at the previous auction.

Skim milk powder moved up nearly one percent, while butter prices edged higher by half a percent, maintaining momentum after its remarkable eight percent surge two weeks ago. Meanwhile, anhydrous milk fat added one percent to its value, building on its previous four-point-six percent increase.

Not all categories shared the positive results. Cheddar cheese prices eased three percent lower, reversing its four percent gain from the last auction. Mozzarella showed the largest decline, dropping six-point-six percent, continuing its recent market volatility.

Trading volume remained robust, with more than thirty-six thousand metric tonnes changing hands.

 

Young dairy cattle hold key to lower carbon meat

A new discovery could help transform New Zealand's dairy and meat sectors while addressing environmental challenges. New research reveals young dairy cattle create only half the emissions of traditional beef animals.

AgResearch data shows dairy-derived beef, raised between ten and eighteen months, creates up to forty-eight percent lower carbon output than conventional beef cattle. 

Māori-owned agribusiness Mīti leads this innovation, developing methods to transform young dairy calves into valuable meat and leather products. 

The current system sees farmers earning around thirty-five dollars for each young calf. Under the new model, farmers could increase their returns four-fold by raising these animals for twelve months.

The initiative targets international markets through a new meat category called Mataora. This innovation includes naturally-made meat snacks using kānuka smoke and native honeydew.

The Crown-funded New Zealand Food Innovation Network is connected with the work, creating market channels into Asia. Their involvement helps overcome manufacturing challenges while building export opportunities.

 

Groundbreaking livestock research centre opens in Taupo

A major advancement in agricultural research launched near Taupō this week, with Pāmu Farms introducing a new testing centre that measures feed intake and methane output in cattle. 

The research at St Kilda will enhance breeding choices, targeting animals that make better use of feed while reducing methane output. This work creates opportunities for all New Zealand farmers to access improved genetics as the industry advances toward its climate commitments.

Pāmu's chief executive Mark Leslie says the centre bridges critical knowledge gaps in our agricultural sector, and it’s work extends beyond dairy, creating vital data about meat animals. This research aims to maintain New Zealand's economic advantages while meeting international environmental targets.

Looking ahead, the centre will examine various animal types, including cattle and deer, to identify the most efficient breeding lines. 

An open day is being held in February next year for farmers and industry, registrations are essential as numbers will be limited.

A link is in this episodes description

https://stkildamethane.eventbrite.co.nz

 

Wool research unlocks billion dollar health market

New Zealand wool innovation is creating exciting opportunities in the health market, with local research uncovering remarkable medical uses for wool-derived keratin. 

Christchurch-based company Keraplast leads the world in transforming New Zealand wool into health-enhancing ingredients. Their innovative technology creates materials that may help reduce bone loss, enhance digestive health, and address inflammation issues.

Recent research at Otago University reveals additional medical advantages, including managing insulin levels. This development opens new markets for New Zealand wool, moving beyond traditional textile applications into the growing health sector.

Keraplast maintains strong ties with New Zealand agriculture, sourcing materials exclusively through local regenerative farming methods. This commitment aids environmental outcomes through enhanced soil quality and increased land diversity.

The global market reaches two billion dollars annually, with New Zealand emerging as a leader in creating premium products. Unlike overseas manufacturers using chicken feathers, our nation's wool-based innovation commands higher market value.

Nominees named for tenth annual Zanda McDonald Awards

Five innovative New Zealand farmers have earned recognition in the tenth annual Zanda McDonald Award, marking a milestone moment for agricultural achievement across both sides of the Tasman.

The New Zealand nominees include Wellington region's Hamish Best, who created the innovative red meat brand Conscious Valley. Marlborough's twenty-four-year-old Maegen Blom earned recognition for her management excellence at Mills Bay Mussels.

Sarah How from South Canterbury made the list for her groundbreaking work with Landify Limited. Ben Purua, also from Canterbury, earned his nomination through outstanding management at Waimakariri Lands Limited, building on his earlier success as 2024 Young Māori Farmer of the year.

The Waikato region rounds out the New Zealand entries with Claire Williamson, who combines rural innovation through her sustainable wool fashion brand with leadership in rural lending.

The nominees now move toward intensive interviews, leading to the selection of three finalists from each country. They will then head to the Gold Coast next March for the award ceremony.

The winning kiwi gains a remarkable development package, including guided travel throughout both nations, educational funding worth ten thousand dollars, and ongoing connections with industry leaders.

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.