Farmers Weekly Podcast

(00:00:00) Full Show | July 17

(00:01:51) Zespri to ask growers to back Chinese SunGold again

(00:11:54) Ups and downs at Temuka’s in-lamb ewe fair

(00:19:03) What El Niño could mean for NZ farmers this spring

(00:34:28) River maintenance falls short

In this week's Farmers Weekly Podcast, weather expert Phil Duncan explains what a possible El Niño could mean for New Zealand farmers this spring. Senior reporter Richard Rennie also discusses Zespri's possible second grower vote on Chinese SunGold production, livestock emissions research and urease inhibitors, while AgriHQ's Suz Bremner reviews the Temuka in-lamb ewe fair and Federated Farmers Robert Hickson examines river maintenance failures in Wairarapa.

Farmers Weekly’s weather man Phil Duncan is here to explain what El Nino is, how it might affect global food production, and what farmers and growers in New Zealand need to know heading into spring.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie joins the show to discuss some of the top stories of the week, including Zespri's possible plan for a second grower vote on whether to add Chinese SunGold fruit to its international mix. Richard has also been talking to Massey University researcher Dr Amelia Almeida, who updated Australia’s livestock emissions model and now has New Zealand’s in her sights. Richard also talks about urease inhibitors and whether they are actually doing what they state on the tin.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner reports on the recent Temuka in’lamb ewe fair, which saw record prices for the top lines before buyers became a lot more picky, resulting in a topsy-turvy day for vendors.

Federated Farmers’ Wairarapa president Robert Hickson tells Bryan that recent rain in the region caused unnecessary flooding as a result of poor or non-existent riverbed maintenance. He says the buildup of gravel in key rivers exacerbated the floods and wants to see agreement reached on how to avoid the same situation in future.