Category Archives: Agribusiness

Decision time at Westland for Yili bid

Posted on June 25, 2019 by

The time has come when Westland’s dairy farmers must make their decision. Do they want to take the money and go with Chinese mega-company Yili, or do they wish to struggle on as a co-operative?  We will know the answer … Continue reading →

Posted in Agribusiness, China, Dairy | 1 Comment

Why methane is different

Posted on May 31, 2019 by

This is the second of a series of articles discussing some of the difficult issues that have to be understood and resolved in relation to New Zealand’s proposed Zero Carbon Bill. The first article is here  For many years, we … Continue reading →

Posted in Agribusiness, greenhouse gases, Science ethics and communication | 2 Comments

Fonterra’s strategic reset is up against headwinds.

Posted on May 27, 2019 by

Fonterra’s Q3 results for 2018/19 show that Fonterra is running into headwinds with its strategic reset. That is not to suggest the current policy is necessarily flawed. Rather, it reflects the pickle that Fonterra has got itself into in recent … Continue reading →

Posted in Agribusiness, Dairy, Fonterra | Leave a comment

Zero Carbon Bill is just the start for agriculture’s greenhouse gas adaptation

Posted on May 13, 2019 by

The Zero Carbon Bill introduced to Parliament this week answers some questions but raises many others.  There are big challenges ahead for everyone, but particularly for farmers and their leaders. As always, the devil will be in the details. These … Continue reading →

Posted in Agribusiness, Dairy, Meat Industry | 5 Comments

The big get bigger in American agriculture

Posted on April 30, 2019 by

Every five years the USDA undertakes a census of American agriculture. The latest survey has just come out in recent weeks. The big message is that the big are getting bigger. Aligned to this message is that family farms continue … Continue reading →

Posted in Agribusiness, Dairy | 6 Comments

Where to for Chiwi agrifood

Posted on April 15, 2019 by

The current plan for Chinese Yili to buy Westland Co-operative Dairy has brought renewed discussion about the role of China within New Zealand agrifood industries. Of course, the Westland issue is just one part of a much greater issue about … Continue reading →

Posted in Agribusiness, China, Dairy, Meat Industry, Uncategorized | 9 Comments

Westland Co-operative Dairy demise is self-inflicted

Posted on April 1, 2019 by

The approaching demise of Westland Co-operative Dairy (trading as Westland Milk Products) has come as a surprise to many people.  It should not have done so.  At the very least, either a partial sale or major joint venture has been … Continue reading →

Posted in Agribusiness, China, Dairy | 11 Comments