NZ farmer confidence is high
New Zealand farmer confidence and investment intentions jumped to record levels in the second quarter of this year, buoyed by improved commodity prices. Source: The New Zealand Herald Rabobank said net farmer confidence rose to 54% from 27% in the March quarter, hitting the highest level since its survey began in 2003. Investment intentions lifted across all agricultural […]
Tech should be the focus of farm investment
The “get big or get out” drive for greater economies of scale in Australian agriculture is not really working for farmers any more. Source: The North Queensland Register To be profitable today producers probably still need to get bigger, but real gains come with investing seriously in agricultural technology according to the Australia and New Zealand […]
NFF is behind driverless vehicles
The National Farmers Federation (NFF) says autonomous vehicles could reduce isolation, boost agricultural productivity, and save lives on country roads. Source: ABC Rural News The House of Representatives Industry, Innovation and Science committee is investigating the potential benefits and challenges involved in taking up emerging autonomous vehicle technology. NFF rural affairs manager Mark Harvey-Sutton told a committee hearing […]
Agribuisiness leaders graduate
Agribusiness leaders from across Australia celebrated completing the Australian Agribusiness Leadership Program at a graduation in Sydney last night. Source: AFDJ eNews Addressing and presenting certificates to the graduates, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Luke Hartsuyker, said leaders like those graduating make agribusiness an exciting industry to be involved in. “Agribusiness in Australia is […]
The ups and downs of winter crops
Coming off the back of a record-breaking 2016-17, winter crop production is forecast to drop by 33% in 2017–18 to 40.1 million tonnes, due largely to an assumed fall in average yields. Source: AFDJ eNews According to the Australian crop report by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), the season […]
Australian farm production on trend
The gross value of Australian farm production is forecast to dip by 4.6% to $59.9 billion in 2017–18, following last year’s record-breaking returns, according to the Agricultural Commodities, June quarter 2017 issue. Source: AFDJ eNews The recent Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) report finds the gross value of farm production […]
Budget benefits for agriculture
While the budget delivered last month didn’t propose any game-changers for the Australian machinery industry, it did have some initiatives that could see benefits for manufacturers, dealers and regional businesses according to the TMA. Source: AFDJ eNews The continuation of the $20,000 instant asset write-off for equipment expenses encourages small business owners to purchase machinery and other agricultural […]
Irrigators hit the social media waves
South Canterbury irrigators are launching a new question and answer campaign on social media to get more city people up to speed with farming in New Zealand. Source: Stuff NZ Waitaki Irrigators Collective (WIC) policy manager Elizabeth Soal said there seemed to be a widening gap between rural and urban communities and social media had the potential to […]
Tony 9800 TR coming to Australia in 2018
Australian horticulturalists will be able buy the Antonio Carraro Tony 9800 TR early next year. Source: Weekly Times The compact specialist tractor is the new flagship for the brand and picked up the Best Specialised category in the 2017 Tractor of the Year. A sophisticated driveline was the key to its award success with a mechanical/hydrostatic transmission and […]
Sonalika opposes increase in Indian GST
Sonalika International Tractors of India has opposed the 28% levy on tractor parts proposed under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure, saying it will hurt the sector and also farmers. Source: Deccan Chronicle The tractor manufacturer said the tax on tractor parts should remain at the existing level of 14%. “The government has proposed […]