Hawke’s Bay farmer resilience program gets an almost one million dollar government boost, Wools of New Zealand launches first wool contracts in three years, and topdressing pioneers celebrate three-quarters of a century in the skies.

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Hawke’s Bay farmer resilience program gets an almost one million dollar government boost

The Government is strengthening its partnership with Hawke's Bay farmers and the Regional Council through an investment aimed at improving farm productivity and building resilience against challenging weather conditions.

Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay announced a substantial co-investment of $995,000 to expand the Land for Life (LFL) pilot programme, which provides practical support for farmers adapting to changing environmental and economic landscapes. Initially successful with 12 pilot farms, the programme will now extend to 100 farms regionally, with ambitious plans to reach 300 farms in the coming years.

McClay explained the programme's multifaceted approach, noting that it enables farmers to enhance agricultural land performance while creating additional revenue streams through carbon credits and timber production. The initiative represents a strategic approach to supporting New Zealand's agricultural sector, and balancing economic gains with environmental sustainability.

Projected benefits of the Land for Life programme are substantial. Economic modeling suggests cumulative economic gains could reach $380 million for participating farmers over three decades. The programme also anticipates significant environmental advantages, including $1.5 billion in avoided costs from reduced landslides and the potential sequestration of 61,000 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions.

The Minister highlighted the programme's broader implications, emphasizing that this co-investment will help validate and develop a potentially self-funded system.

Water quality improvements and enhanced overall farm resilience are additional key outcomes expected from the Land for Life initiative. 

The expanded Land for Life programme represents an innovative collaboration between government, regional councils, and farmers, providing a promising model for sustainable agricultural development across New Zealand.

Avian influenza contained to a single Otago property

Targeted monitoring and rapid response have successfully isolated a high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak to a single Mainland Poultry property in Otago, with officials confident the situation remains controlled and will not disrupt national egg or chicken supplies.

Hillgrove continues comprehensive depopulation procedures across its chicken sheds, with a third shed confirming positive meaning its 40,000 chickens will be removed. A fourth shed, housing another 40,000 chickens, will likely undergo the same process as a precautionary measure, even though initial tests remain inconclusive.

There are no reports of sick poultry nationwide, and biosecurity officials say there is zero threat to food safety or human health.

An unrelated small operation near Dunedin has received a clean bill of health after thorough examinations.

Farmers across the country are advised to maintain heightened vigilance, closely monitor their flocks, and report any unusual bird health indicators to local authorities immediately. 

The Ministry for Primary Industries continues comprehensive surveillance and will provide updates as the situation develops.

A2 Milk clinches most improved performance at Deloitte Top 200 awards

A2 Milk has been crowned winner of the Most Improved Performance category at the prestigious Deloitte Top 200 awards, marking a significant turnaround following the challenges of the Covid pandemic.

The company's remarkable recovery comes after a concentrated effort to strengthen sales channels and develop a strategic growth plan. Judges recognized A2 Milk's exceptional performance in navigating complex market disruptions, highlighting the company's ability to negotiate new strategic partnerships and adapt to challenging regulatory environments in key markets like China and the United States.

The company achieved significant milestones in the 2024 financial year, including a top-five brand position for its China and English label infant milk formula products. Revenue increased 5.2% to $1.68 billion, with operating earnings up 6.9% to $234 million and net profit rising 7.7% to $167.5 million.

Additional dairy industry recognition at the awards saw Fonterra  named Company of the Year. Miles Hurrell won CEO of the Year, while Richard Allen claimed the Young Executive of the Year title, further highlighting the strength of New Zealand's dairy sector.

Wools of New Zealand launches first wool contracts in three years

Wools of New Zealand has reinstated wool contracts for growers after a three-year hiatus, signaling renewed confidence in the strong wool market and carpet production sector.

The 100 percent farmer-owned company is offering contracts for wool supply to be manufactured into carpets and floor tiles over the next 12 months, providing farmers with new opportunities for market stability.

The contracts offer flexibility for farmers, allowing them to commit only a portion of their wool clip. Multiple contract options are available, with a mix of fixed-price wool at $5 clean and wool priced at current market rates.

Chief Executive John McWhirter says the contracts represent an opportunity for growers to support a forward-thinking, farmer-owned company that reinvests profits back into the industry.

The initiative follows significant investment over the past four years, with a focus on producing high-quality natural flooring. By manufacturing offshore, Wools of New Zealand aims to remain competitive with synthetic alternatives.

Despite recent challenges in the wool sector, the company sees a promising future for wool as a durable and sustainable flooring option. The contracts aim to directly support growers while expanding wool carpet sales both locally and internationally.

The move comes after a challenging period for wool producers, offering a potential lifeline to farmers seeking more stable income streams from their wool production.

Topdressing pioneers celebrate three-quarters of a century in the skies

Whanganui’s Aerowork celebrated 75 years of agricultural aviation on Saturday, tracing its roots back to 1949 when topdressing pioneer Wally Harding first converted a Tiger Moth to distribute fertiliser on his high-country station.

The celebration in the small hangers of Whanganui Airport brought together rural pilots, farmers, and aviation enthusiasts to commemorate a significant milestone in New Zealand's agricultural history. Rural pilots, typically known for their quiet efficiency, took to the skies in a rare public display of aerial expertise, with a flyby featuring three generations of aircraft - an original Tiger Moth, a 1950s Fletcher, and a modern Cresco - piloted by members of the Harding family.

CEO Harald Hendel highlighted the company's unique capabilities, noting Aerowork is the only topdressing company with a dedicated team of engineers building their own aircraft components. Originally owned by the Harding family until 2004, Aerowork was acquired by Ravensdown, bringing enhanced scientific expertise to aviation and spreading technology.

Technological advancements have transformed the industry, with to world-class GPS systems that now enable precise fertiliser application, environmental protection, and integration with innovative farm management software like Ravensdown's HawkEye.

Beyond aerial spreading, the company has a proud history of supporting rural communities. Pilots have long served as emergency responders, conducting lifesaving rural rescues well before dedicated rescue helicopters existed.