Early Bird I Tuesday July 30th 2024

Farm confidence plummets amid economic challenges, study reveals mice as key Leptospirosis carriers, and Kiwi shearer dominates European circuit with impressive win streak. 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! Farm confidence plummets amid economic challenges New Zealand farm confidence remains at historic lows, according to the latest Federated Farmers' Farm Confidence survey. The report, which polled 1400 dairy, sheep, beef, and arable farmers, reveals a grim outlook for the agricultural sector. Wayne Langford, Federated Farmers national president, expressed frustration at the persistently low confidence levels. He says that high interest rates, low commodity prices, and escalating input costs are making it challenging for farming families to earn a living. The survey, conducted in mid-July, shows a deterioration in farmers' views on the current economic climate compared to January. More than two-thirds of farmers now consider economic conditions to be 'bad', marking the second-worst result in the survey's history. Looking ahead, over half of the farmers anticipate further economic decline in the coming year. The survey also highlights concerns about farm profitability, with just over a third of farmers currently operating at a loss. Debt, interest rates, and banking issues top the list of farmers' concerns, followed by farmgate and commodity prices, regulation and compliance costs, and rising input costs. The ability to recruit skilled and motivated staff has also reached its lowest point in over a decade, particularly affecting dairy farmers during calving season. Leadership changes at Deer Industry New Zealand promise new era Key leadership changes for New Zeland’s deer industry are marking a turning point for the sector. The Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) board has named Paddy Boyd as its new chair, while Rhys Griffiths takes on the role of permanent chief executive. These appointments aim to bring stability and confidence to the industry following recent uncertainty. Both Boyd and Griffiths have extensive experience in the deer sector, each contributing unique insights to their new roles. Paddy Boyd, a DINZ board member since 2023, has a rich history in industry governance. His involvement includes the National Velvetting Standards Body and the North American Retail Accelerator Programme. Boyd's background extends to hands-on farming, having managed Haldon Station in South Canterbury for over four decades. Rhys Griffiths, now confirmed as CEO, has dedicated more than 16 years to the industry. He began his journey with DINZ in 2008, steadily advancing through the organisation. Griffiths expresses enthusiasm about guiding the industry into a new era, emphasising stakeholder engagement and strategy implementation. The leadership duo aims to elevate farmer voices within industry decision-making. These leadership appointments signal a renewed focus on sustainability, innovation, and farmer advocacy, aiming to strengthen the industry's position in both domestic and international markets. Study reveals mice as key Leptospirosis carriers New research from Massey University is highlighting mice as a critical yet underestimated source of leptospirosis on New Zealand farms. The study, led by Dr. Marie Moinet, reveals that the risk of contracting leptospirosis remains high regardless of mouse population density. Even when mouse numbers are low, approximately nine out of ten mice carry the infection, indicating a constant threat. Infected mice also tend to roam more widely, potentially increasing disease spread.  The two-year study, conducted on a farm setting, involved humane trapping and testing of mice for leptospira. While focused on a rural area, researchers suggest similar studies are needed in urban environments to fully understand the disease's impact. Traditionally, leptospirosis has been associated with livestock, leading to a misconception that it only affects farmers. However, the study shows that contact with infected mammal urine or contaminated water poses a significant risk to a broader population, including trampers, gardeners, and urban residents. The disease can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, including headaches, fever, meningitis, and kidney failure. Two-thirds of reported cases result in hospitalisation, with half experiencing long-lasting effects. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial for recovery. Historic Te Waimate woolshed restoration showcases craftsmanship The South Island's oldest working woolshed, Te Waimate, is undergoing specialist repairs, earning high praise from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Built in 1855, this historic structure has remained in continuous use, shearing up to 100,000 sheep annually in its heyday. Recent years saw the woolshed facing structural issues, with its rear side sinking due to rotting piles. Thanks to a grant from Heritage New Zealand's Preservation Incentive Fund, owners Henry and Katie Studholme engaged skilled craftsman Michael Simpson to tackle the repairs. Simpson, known for his work on heritage buildings, has been meticulously rebuilding the woolshed's south side from the ground up. His approach involves carefully splicing new wood into the original totara joists, piles, and beams, minimising waste and preserving as much of the original structure as possible. The quality of the original totara timber has impressed Simpson, who noted its exceptional durability even after years of exposure to harsh conditions.  The Studholmes hope that these repairs will ensure the woolshed's continued use for generations to come. Kiwi shearer dominates European circuit with impressive win streak Te Kūiti shearer Jack Fagan has capped off an impressive run in the UK and France, securing his fourth open final win at the Corwen Shears International Lamb Shearing and Woolhandling Championships in Wales. This victory follows his triumphs at the Royal Welsh Show, the Great Yorkshire Show, and Martel in France. Fagan, part of the Wools of New Zealand Shearing Sports New Zealand tour, narrowly edged out reigning world champion Gwion Evans for the second time in four days.  In the Corwen Open, Fagan qualified ninth from the heats, improved to second in the semifinals, and then dominated the final. He finished in 11 minutes and 41 seconds, a full 20 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor. However, the New Zealand test team, comprising Fagan and David Buick, faced a setback. They were defeated by the Welsh pair of Richard Jones and Gethin Lewis, giving Wales a 2-1 series victory. Fagan, the world eight-hour lamb shearing record-holder, also shone in the test match, finishing first in 12 minutes and 28 seconds. Despite this, superior quality points from the Welsh team secured their win. Looking ahead, Fagan will represent New Zealand in the transtasman tests in Australia this October, joined by Golden Shears open champion Leon Samuels and the top New Zealand performer from the upcoming New Zealand Merino Shears. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.