News

PGG Wrightson has reported a 28% drop in annual profit as higher debt and a weaker real estate market weighed on earnings. Profit fell to $17.5 million in the year to June 30, from $24.3m the previous year with Revenue advancing 2.4% to $976.2m. The firm’s debt almost...

Labour’s biggest vote catcher is likely to be taking 15% GST off fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables from April 2024, if re-elected. The saving will be around $5 a week on an average spend of $30 in the fruit and vegetable section and the determining factor is...

NZs sheep flock is declining and is around 25 million - compared with around 70 million in the 1980s. But the US flock is down to just 5 million and a US lobby group is now calling for increased tariffs on New Zealand lamb in a bid to help the struggling local...

The wool industry is lobbying government officials to avoid a repeat of the Ministry of Education choosing synthetic floor coverings over wool. And the ministry has promised to look at using wool in school areas other than classrooms. News that the ministry chose a...

Bees and honey producers are having challenging times - alongside many other primary sector groups. This year it has not only been the wet weather which bees do not like, but an upsurge in Varroa mite attacks on hives. John Hartnell is Federated Farmers Bee Industry...

The vegetable industry is welcoming the debate on removing GST from fruit and vegetables. Vegetables New Zealand Chair John Murphy says being able to grow more vegetables could be one way to bring prices down, improve health outcomes, and support an industry that is...

Bovaer a product that is purported to reduce methane emissions by 30% has passed the first hurdle to being used in NZ. The Environmental Protection Authority has approved the feed additive. DSM Nutritional Products applied to import or manufacture Bovaer which...

Food prices fell last month in a dramatic change of tack after months of unrelenting price increases. Stats NZ says prices fell 1.1% in July. Compared with June, fruit and vegetables prices fell 4.1% and overall grocery food prices were down 0.2%. The latest food...

King Country shearers Jack Fagan and Clay Harris have wrapped up a busy season in the UK by each winning two finals at different venues in England and Wales. Fagan following in the footsteps of his father Sir David 30-40 years ago, finished runner-up to new World...