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As the world awaits the return of Donald Trump to the White House, there has been a lot of conversation about what any resulting shifts in global trade dynamics might be. I thought it was a good time to add to the conversation my key observations for New Zealand farmers.

Dairy farmers weighing up a move into share farming next season should take time to know their numbers before signing on the dotted line, Federated Farmers leaders say.

Ruralco’s Ashburton store has been meeting farmers’ needs for nearly 50 years while navigating the ebbs and flows of an ever-changing agricultural industry.

While humbled to travel the globe being the voice for New Zealand’s agricultural sector, as Hamish Marr looks back on the past year, he stands proud to be advocating for one of the smallest.

Early next year, seasoned shearers from around the country will again take to the board at the Ewing family’s Hindsridge Farm for a charity shearing event in remembrance of old mates lost to cancer.

On the winding back roads in New Zealand’s beautiful South Island are two humble Kiwi blokes, Kylie and Glen, quietly working hard behind the scenes delivering fuel to rural NZ.

The last two generations of farmers have been fortunate to have enjoyed the biggest productivity gains in New Zealand’s primary sector history. Whether they be from improved genetics, smarter farm systems, or better grasses and feeds, all have ensured the primary sector has consistently delivered above average productivity gains for the past 30 years.

With primary industries crying out for more skilled young people, the Growing Future Farmers programme is helping to fill the gap, training and developing the next generation of passionate sheep, beef and deer farmers.

Ruralco and the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust joined forces last night to host a Wellbeing for Rural Women event aimed at celebrating and supporting wellbeing supporters.

“The strength and importance of co-operatives is well recognised within the New Zealand economy. This is particularly true of the primary sector,” says Ruralco Chair Sir David Carter.