Early Bird I Wednesday May 29th 2024

Agriculture Minister keeping close eye on submissions over rural banking concerns, Labour look to refresh their policies to win back voters, and record entry numbers for Feilday’s Innovation Awards. 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! Agriculture Minister keeping close eye on submissions over rural banking concerns Agriculture Minister Todd McClay is closely monitoring the parliamentary primary production select committee, and has emphasised the critical nature of rural bank lending issues. The committee is currently receiving briefings from various stakeholders, including Federated Farmers, and will soon decide whether to initiate an inquiry into rural bank lending. McClay says farmers are feeling the pinch as a direct result of high interest rates, which stem from the previous Government's reckless spending, and he shares concerns with farmers over the current financial pressures. Federated Farmers is advocating for an independent inquiry into rural bank lending, highlighting a crisis point in rural banking. Richard McIntyre, Federated Farmers commerce and competition spokesperson, expressed that the situation has deteriorated significantly, with recent surveys indicating worsening conditions. Federated Farmers introduced a new question in their recent survey, asking if New Zealand banks are showing a positive commitment to supporting farming through difficult periods of high interest rates. Only one in five farmers responded affirmatively, indicating a lack of support from banks when it is most needed. McIntyre says there is urgency in addressing these critical issues pointing out that the record profits made by banks in recent years contrast sharply with the financial struggles faced by farmers.  The survey results bolster Federated Farmers' calls for an independent inquiry into rural banking, aiming to scrutinise and rectify the widespread issues within the rural banking system. McClay is awaiting the committee's decision on whether to proceed with an inquiry, which could provide the necessary scrutiny and potential solutions to alleviate the financial burdens faced by farmers and restore confidence in rural banking. Labour look to refresh their policies to win back voters Labour’s agriculture spokesperson Jo Luxton is at the forefront of efforts from her party to earn back the trust of farmers and growers.  Luxton says she’s aiming to revamp the party's agriculture policies by engaging directly with the farming community. A two-day event in July is planned, where caucus members will meet industry stakeholders and visit farms, organised in collaboration with Federated Farmers. At the Federated Farmers Waikato branch annual meeting, Luxton conveyed that the party received a "loud and clear" message from farmers in the last general election. She acknowledged past conflicts and emphasised her commitment to building better relationships with the primary sector, understanding their concerns, and ensuring they feel heard. Labour lost many regional seats, including Luxton’s Rangitata seat, to National in the last election. This shift was largely attributed to dissatisfaction with a series of environmental laws that farmers felt were imposed too rapidly and without adequate consultation. Luxton admitted that while most farmers agreed with the legislation’s direction, the implementation pace caused significant anxiety. Moving forward, Luxton aims to foster positive relationships with farmers and enjoys a strong rapport with Federated Farmers leaders, which she believes will aid in this rebuilding effort. Record entry numbers for Feilday’s Innovation Awards Entry numbers for the Fieldays Innovation Awards have reached a 10-year high with 64 entries this year. These participants have advanced to the next stage of judging, moving closer to a share of a prize package exceeding $70,000 in cash, services, and products to support the launch or acceleration of their new products. The Fieldays 2024 Innovation Hub serves as the showcase for these awards, a premier platform for primary innovation in New Zealand and a globally recognized program.  Judged by a panel of 15 sector experts with diverse experience from the NZ innovation ecosystem, this year’s awards are set to highlight some of the most innovative ideas and technologies poised to enter the agricultural industry. Fieldays programme manager Steve Chappell is enthusiastic about the high calibre of entries this year, saying he’s really impressed with the ideas coming through this year, and is sure visitors will be too. The entries range from small-scale innovations like a wool plaster to large-scale technologies such as an autonomous grapevine pruner, with submissions coming from as far as Ireland.  The competition categories include 27 participants in the prototype category, 21 in the early-stage category, and 16 in the growth & scale category. Additionally, five participants are competing for the Young Innovator of the Year award, open to entrants 19 years old and under. A new twist this year is the addition of a People’s Choice award. All participants are eligible for this award, with the innovator receiving the most votes winning a $2000 cash prize from Fieldays. One lucky voter will also win a $500 voucher.  Visitors can vote by tapping their Fieldays Smart Band at the kiosk inside the Fieldays Innovation Hub during the event. Visitors can use the Fieldays App to explore the Innovation Awards entries on the Innovation Trail layer at the exhibitors’ sites. Finalists found for major Primary Industry awards The 2024 Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand's Primary Industries award finalists include top trade official Vangelis Vitalis, dairy and horticulture farmer Julian Raine, and broadcaster Jamie Mackay.  The Emerging Leader Award finalists include Claire Williamson, Velma & Beverley, Jordi Hoult from the Ministry for Primary Industries, and Sam Waugh from Donald’s Farm. Sponsored by Lincoln University, this award honours new leaders in the New Zealand primary sector. The Champion Award finalists are the late Warren Parker, Pamu Farms of New Zealand, Dr. Stuart Davis from LeaderBrand Produce, and Cameron Taylor from Taylor Corporation.  The Team & Collaboration Award finalists include Ashna Khan from Agrisea, Tanya Pouwhare from New Zealand Ethical Employers, and the CRA3 Lobster Biotoxin Response Team, which includes the Ministry for Primary Industries, Seafood Standards Council, New Zealand Rock Lobster Industry Council, Crayfish Area Management Committee, and Licensed Fish Receivers.  The awards collectively aim to honour and highlight the exceptional contributions and leadership within New Zealand's primary industries, celebrating those who have made significant impacts and advancements in their fields. The winner will be announced at the NZ Primary Industries Summit in Wellington next month. Farmers the winners of charity sports weekend Farmers and politicians clashed on the sports field in Gisborne over the weekend, drawing a huge crowd and raising significant funds for charity.  The rugby and netball games, organised by Federated Farmers in memory of the late Parekura Horomia, took place at the Ngatapa Sports Club. The event raised nearly $300,000 in cash donations for local farmers still recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle.  Including the value of a tractor giveaway and additional vouchers, the total contribution to the local farming community reached half a million dollars. The rugby match saw the Federated Farmers team narrowly defeated 20-12 by the Parliamentary side, featuring performances from Agriculture Minister Todd McClay with  standout play in the backline and Labour MP Peeni Henare’s powerful runs. Former Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor also played a significant role at the breakdown. In netball, Federated Farmers secured an upset victory, defeating the Parliamentary team 33-16. Federated Farmers board member Sandra Faulkner emphasised the event's positive impact on the community, especially for farming families still struggling post-cyclone. She appreciated the support from over a quarter of Parliament who attended, showing their commitment to the community. The event aimed to provide more than just sport; it was also a valuable platform for politicians to engage with the community, understand their challenges, and witness the cyclone's damage firsthand.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.