Early Bird I Wednesday July 31st 2024

Major marketing drive aims to boost New Zealand wool exports, innovative Daffodil trials offer promise for Alzheimers and agriculture, and late Canterbury farmer honoured with NZPork’s top award. 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! Major marketing drive aims to boost New Zealand wool exports 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. Health Minister acknowledges ongoing crisis in New Zealand's rural healthcare Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has admitted the country's health system remains in crisis, as rural medical centres grapple with workforce shortages. This acknowledgment comes amid growing concern over Health New Zealand's economic standing. The situation at Northland's Dargaville Hospital highlights these challenges. Currently, the facility lacks on-site doctors during night hours, relying instead on remote medical consultations and moving patients to Whangārei when necessary.  Minister Reti recognizes the gravity of the situation, stating that having no doctor present in a hospital is far from ideal. He says that Health New Zealand is exploring ways to address staffing issues, including drawing resources from nearby medical centres. The current state of affairs echoes concerns Reti raised while in opposition as National's health spokesperson. He maintains that the crisis persists under his leadership, though he couldn't identify other hospitals facing comparable difficulties. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasised the need for safe hospital practices, acknowledging the significant workforce challenges. However, he didn't comment directly on safety conditions at the affected facilities. These developments coincide with increased scrutiny of Health New Zealand following the appointment of a commissioner to oversee its finances. Questions have arisen regarding discrepancies in the organisation's financial reporting, with Minister Reti unable to clarify conflicting information about its economic position. The situation underscores ongoing challenges in New Zealand's healthcare system, particularly in rural areas, as officials work to address staffing shortages and financial management issues. Innovative Daffodil trials offer promise for Alzheimers and agriculture South Island sheep farms have successfully trialled daffodils that produce galanthamine, a key ingredient in medication for Alzheimer's disease. This development offers hope for families affected by dementia and could create new revenue streams for farmers. Galanthamine, found in high concentrations in certain daffodils, has shown promise in slowing Alzheimer's progression and reducing memory loss. United Kingdom-based Agroceutical Products, already cultivating daffodils in Wales, is now looking to expand production to the Southern Hemisphere. Nick Pyke, director of Leftfield Innovation, initiated growing trials across seven South Island locations last autumn. The study aimed to determine how different environments affect galanthamine production in daffodils. Trial sites ranged from coastal areas to elevations of 630 meters above sea level. Researchers monitored soil conditions and planted various densities of daffodil bulbs to simulate commercial growing conditions. Four months after planting, scientists analyzed galanthamine levels using advanced laboratory techniques. Results showed varying concentrations across different sites, with no clear correlation between plant size and galanthamine content. Contrary to expectations, elevation did not consistently influence galanthamine levels. However, high-density plantings yielded significantly more dry matter compared to other sites. While exact production estimates remain challenging due to variations, researchers suggest that between 310 and 440 grams of galanthamine could potentially be extracted from a hectare of dry matter. The trials also explored cost-effective methods for multiplying daffodil bulbs in laboratory conditions, similar to pine production techniques. Looking ahead, Pyke announced plans to develop a business model that maximizes value for farmers involved in daffodil cultivation for medical purposes. This innovative approach to daffodil farming not only addresses a critical need in Alzheimer's treatment but also offers a unique opportunity for diversification in New Zealand's agricultural sector. Late Canterbury farmer honoured with NZPork’s top award The New Zealand pork industry has posthumously honoured Canterbury farmer John Reeves with its Outstanding Contribution Award. Reeves, who passed away in March, was recognized for his significant impact on the sector over four decades of farming in the region. NZPork Chief Executive Brent Kleiss praised Reeves' role in shaping local markets and improving the genetic profile of New Zealand's commercial pork herd. Reeves was a founder of the New Zealand Pork Corporation wholesaling company, which later became Porkcorp and acquired the National Pig Breeding Company to maintain genetic diversity. Kleiss highlighted Reeves' deep care for the industry's health and his willingness to engage in challenging conversations. He was known as someone people could always turn to for discussions about the sector. Reeves' journey in the pork industry began unexpectedly. Originally an electrician from Wellington, he inherited family land near Kaiapoi that included an old piggery. Together with his wife Carol, Reeves developed this farm and later established a second pig farm at Sefton. Their son Darin joined the family business, continuing the legacy. The award celebrates individuals who have made sustained contributions to the pig industry. It serves as a testament to Reeves' lasting impact on New Zealand's pork sector and his dedication to its growth and improvement over the years. Henderson Dairy recalls raw milk products due to Listeria risk New Zealand Food Safety has announced a recall of specific batches of Farm Fresh Raw Milk produced by Henderson Dairy due to potential Listeria contamination. Jenny Bishop, acting deputy director-general of NZFS, warns that Listeria can pose serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups. The affected products are one-litre Farm Fresh Raw Milk with batch codes 240724 and 260724, and use-by dates of 28th of August and 30th of August respectively. Consumers are advised not to consume these products and to return them to Henderson Dairy for a refund or dispose of them. NZFS reminds consumers that raw milk inherently carries risks as it hasn't undergone pasteurisation, which kills harmful bacteria. The contamination was identified through routine testing, and no related illnesses have been reported so far. The food safety authority will work with Henderson Dairy to investigate the source of contamination and prevent future occurrences. This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety practices, especially concerning raw milk products. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.