Category Archives: Agribusiness

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 | 8 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 | 8 Comments

Farming for cash and capital gain: the rules have changed

Posted on March 18, 2019 by

Regardless of whether or not a capital gains tax is introduced, the rules of farming have changed.  Cash is becoming a lot more important. I recall going to a conference in late 2000 or thereabouts, soon after my return to … Continue reading →

Posted in Agribusiness, Dairy, Rural Finance | 3 Comments

Mycoplasma bovis eradication risks are much greater than admitted

Posted on March 3, 2019 by

Taxpayers and farmers are collectively committed to pay more than $800 million for eradication of Mycoplasma bovis.  It is therefore reasonable that they are provided with good information as to how eradication is proceeding.  Unfortunately, the current information from MPI … Continue reading →

Posted in Agribusiness, Dairy, Mycoplasma bovis | 2 Comments

Dairy debt an outcome of wayward policy and land-banking

Posted on February 8, 2019 by

In a recent article, I wrote that high debt levels within the dairy industry will constrain the industry transformation that needs to occur.  Subsequently, I have been exploring how the industry got itself such a debt-laden pickle. Here is what … Continue reading →

Posted in Agribusiness, Dairy, Rural Finance | 3 Comments

Does Russia belong in the West or the East?

Posted on November 25, 2018 by

The issue of whether Russia belongs in the West or the East might seem a strange topic for a New Zealand agri-food systems person like me to be discussing. However, political and food systems, and the associated international trade, are … Continue reading →

Posted in Agribusiness | 3 Comments

Mycoplasma communication team needs to play with a straight bat

Posted on November 14, 2018 by

MPI is currently reporting a positive story about Mycoplasma bovis eradication. There is indeed good news to report. But in cricket terminology, the communication team needs to play with a straight bat. I found myself to be a topic in … Continue reading →

Posted in Agribusiness, Mycoplasma bovis | 4 Comments