Primary

It’s been a tough few years for sheep farmers and now the drought.  So, the Free Trade Agreement with China would, no doubt, have been welcome news for the meat and wool sector.  China is New Zealand’s most important market for sheep skins, is a large market for sheep meat and is a valuable wool-selling partner. Meat and Wool New Zealand expects the agreement to potentially double the amount of export meat and skins sent »»

Rising international log prices as a result of increased demand from Korea and south-east Asia could mean better times for forest owners.  MAF predicts strong log prices if the Russian Federation follows through on its intention to raise export taxes on its soft wood.  In addition, the recent drop in the NZ$ to more reasonable levels must be making forest owners sleep a little more easily. Nevertheless, the stumbling US economy and »»

In our June forecast we welcomed rise of the dairy payout to $5.33 per kg of milk solids.  Surely the welcome now turns to elation with the announcement of $6.40 per kg of milk solids for the 2007/08 season.  Are we allowed to celebrate yet?  Questions that remain unanswered are: whether there is any more upward shift in the payout (as many commentators have predicted) and, what is the risk that the payout could fall as fast as it »»