Farmers Weekly Podcast

(00:00:00) Full Show | June 3

(00:01:33) Strong wool market reaches new highs

(00:06:07) How Massey is helping solve the ag teacher shortage

(00:14:47) Federated Farmers welcomes solar consent reforms

This week: Strong wool prices have more than doubled over the past year. AgriHQ's Sara Hilhorst explains what's driving the remarkable rally. Feature guest Massey University Professor Paul Kenyon discusses a new programme to help tackle the shortage of agriculture and horticulture teachers, while sharing the latest on the university's enrolment surge. And Federated Farmers' Mark Hooper welcomes National's proposal to make on-farm solar installations a permitted activity without resource consent.

Head of Massey University’s School of Agriculture and Environment Professor Paul Kenyon joins the show to discuss a new micro-credential course programme being offered to secondary teachers that will help them teach agriculture and horticulture at high schools. More and more schools are offering these subjects but there is a shortage of teachers. He also gives an update on the enrolment situation at Massey, which is enjoying a big surge.

AgriHQ analyst Sara Hilhorst says the strong wool season ended with the Fusca coarse fleece indicator more than doubling from last season, after continuing to strengthen throughout the year. The benchmark also made significant gains over the past two months, extending its steady upward trend.

Federated Farmers’ national board member Mark Hooper is applauding the National Party for its plan to make it much easier for farmers to install solar. The party plans to make it a permitted activity not requiring resource consent.

This week: Landfall Strategy Group’s Dr David Skilling discusses how businesses can adapt to ongoing geopolitical instability, higher capital costs and disrupted supply chains. EECA’s Chris McArthur outlines practical advice for farmers considering farm solar, drawing on demonstration farms across New Zealand. Federated Farmers’ West Coast president Simon Cameron argues farmers’ stewardship should be central to discussions on proposed Conservation Act changes and the future of New Zealand’s conservation estate.