Also, Federated Farmers welcomes Resources and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones’ efforts to hold banks accountable when they stray from their core function - lending money, not lecturing.
Ray Smith:
The director general of MPI comments on an extremely busy time over the New Year period for biosecurity, the great prospects for farming, and MPI’s focus for 2025.
Emma Poole and Tim Dangen:
Two former Young Farmers of the Year discuss the pathway to July’s grand final in Invercargill, starting tomorrow with the northern regional final at the Helensville A&P Showgrounds.
It is the first of seven regional finals across the country and includes Kate Hawkings, competing for the title against her partner, Daniel Richards.
Hawkings, a 28-year-old digger driver, is a member of the Kaipara Young Farmers Club and said competing alongside her partner has added a new dynamic to her preparation.
Quentin Whitehead:
At a recent sale in Southland, a top price of $24,500 was paid for an Exlana/Wiltshire cross ram - a strong indication of farmers’ frustration with strong wool breeds.
The second highest price of $7500 was paid by the patriarch of a high-profile shearing family, who says he’s now too old to shear his own sheep and his world record-holding daughter is too busy shearing everyone else’s sheep.
Chris Brandolino:
NIWA principal scientist on what’s in store for the weekend and beyond.
Listen below:
