April 15, 2025 • 38 mins
Rowena Duncum talks to Christopher Luxon, Andrew Murray, Geoff Spark, and Paul Joules.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Catch all the latest from the land. It's the Country
Podcast with Jamie McGue thanks to Brent, you're specialist in
John Deere machinery.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
A very good afternoon, New Zealand. To welcome into the Country.
My name is Rowena Duncan and for Jamie McKay once
again today. Hoping to have him back with us tomorrow
(00:37):
as we head into a long easter weekend. A bit
of wild weather though around the country. You'd have to
be hiding into a rock to have not heard about it,
but we are starting to see some power outages popping
up across North under tropical Cyclone tam nears New Zealand.
Towards the end of the hour, we might get Phil
Duncan from whether watch dot co dot ended back on
(00:58):
the show. We only chatted to two days ago, but
with the tropical cyclone being named last night, things changing
pretty quickly, might get him back on just for a
quick we recap before one o'clock. We're going to kick
off the show today with the Prime Minister of New Zealand,
Christopher lux and he's in New Plymouth today chatting to
people there. Obviously oil and gas a bag industry for
(01:21):
the New Plymouth and Tatanaki region. Quite a challenging few
years really in terms of direction, what's happening, is it
going is it going to be allowed to continue? So
the Prime Minister's thoughts on that. Plus, of course we
had an announcement a report out yesterday around agricultural emissions
beef in Land, New Zealand, saying these are only down
(01:42):
because we're basically prioritizing land instead of stock, you know,
stock out treason. We'll get the Prime Minister's thoughts on
that as well, and when that legislation is coming through
that's going to prevent wholesale farm to forestry conversions. That
view very shortly Andrew Murray joining us out of on Terra.
There's chief financial officer a global dairy trade auction overnight
(02:04):
last night, the first after Trump's tariff announcements. All eyes
were on that one. Pretty good result though, it's got
to be said. So we will keep a close eye
on that one and get to Andrew on to go
through some of the results that we saw last night.
We've got our farmstrong farmer today. We missed him use today.
He's based in the Tartanaki, the Canterbury region. Sorry, his
(02:27):
name is Jeff Sparks. Get his thoughts on an amazing
event that's been held in Canterbury recently. Some of the
key messages coming through for farmers and Paul Jewels out
of Rabobank's Sydney office. What is happening globally in terms
of urea fertilizer prices and oh my goodness, what is
happening with cocoa prices. If you've had to go into
(02:47):
the supermarket recently to buy your Easter eggs, you're in
for a bit of a shock. Your money didn't go
quite as far as it might have done last year
the year before. We'll look at global prices with Paul
Jewels out of Rabobank as well. It is ten after twelve.
You're with the Country, the Country, Welcome back to the
(03:08):
Country Weekly. On a Wednesday, we catch up with the
Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxen. Joins me.
Speaker 3 (03:14):
Now, good afternoon, good afterday, Rowan, and how are you today?
Speaker 2 (03:17):
Very well? Thank you. You're on a very important mission
off to New Plymouth. How are things going there?
Speaker 4 (03:24):
Well?
Speaker 3 (03:24):
Look, I mean it's an area that's been quite devastated,
to be honest, with the oil and gas ban, and
we're going to overturn that legislation so we can encourage
people to invest in particularly finding domestic gas. That's been
some of the challenges that you saw last year was
that people who rely on gas because there isn't really
an alternative that's strong enough for heating, running mills and
all sorts of things, they got caught with a lack
(03:47):
of supply of gas last year. That drove the energy challenges.
So we're going I'm down there again just wanting to
see what's going on, and obviously very shortly we'll have
our new legislation coming through that will overturn the oil
and gas ban.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Out trade tariffs and trump any development at Urine since
we last chatted a week ago.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
No, really, it's just about making sure, look, we stay
really cool, calm and collected about it. We don't believe
that tariffs and trade wars are good thing for the
global economy at all. But we have a very positive,
constructive relationship with the US. Will continue to advocate for
New Zealand very strongly. But we also are a small
country and we need to trade with as many people
as we possibly can. And over the last sixteen months,
(04:27):
that's why I've been bouncing around the world just this year.
I've been in Vietnam and the UAE and India and
are about to go to the UK, and we'll do
a trip to China as well this year. But I mean,
all of that is designed so that we actually make
sure that we are signaling strongly to these markets that
we're back in business. Coming out of COVID way too slow,
We're now back in business and we want to do
(04:48):
business with these parts of the world. So you know,
it's an end of let's let's keep a very positive,
constructive relationship with the US. Many of our exporters still
see huge opportunity there in spite of the ten percent
tariff at this point, but also let's grow everywhere else
we can to.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
Are you and Winston Peters on the same page? Yet?
Speaker 3 (05:07):
Absolutely, we've always been on the same page. I think
there was a total media beat up, to be honest
with it, you know, the bottom line is we're staying cool.
Garment collect that. I think everybody saw our behavior last
week and said that's pretty good. That it's a good response.
And likewise, when I've been talking to other world leaders,
that's been my message to them as well, just how
are they processing the tariffs making sure they stay cool
(05:29):
and calm. Thirdly, look at what we can do to
deepen the relationships we've got with bilaterally with these different
countries that we've been building these relationships with. And then
also just reminding the different trading blocks that exists, whether
that CPTPP or the EU, not to go and impose
tariffs on each other and continue to affirm the rules
based system that we've been working to.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Yesterday we saw a report into agricultural emissions come out.
Long story, Sure they've dropped since twenty seventeen. A lot
of that from Land New Zealand are saying it is
down to stock out treason. When is this going to stop?
Like in December last year, Todd McClay as Minister of
Forestry announced sweeping changes to limit wholesale farm to forestry conversions.
(06:14):
Where's that legislation act?
Speaker 3 (06:17):
That'll be law as I understand it by October this year,
which will be really good. So what happens is and
I know for listeners will be going archie. It seems
to take a lot of time. The reality is that
in order to pass the law in New Zealand under
our parliament and through our democracy, you need to first
and foremost write the first bill that actually captures what
you want to do. You then got to go out
to what's called a select committee where the public and
(06:39):
others can make comments for up to six months, and
then you bring it back to the House for us
what's called a second reading, and then it gets improved
upon any drafting errors in the actual law and the
clauses in the document get perfected, and then it goes
back essentially for a third reading, and then it becomes
law ultimately. So it's a process, whether it's been getting patches,
whether it's seeing things like farm conversions that we're working
(07:02):
our way through as quickly as possibly can. But I think,
you know, the proposals we announced last year are really
really sensible. But I just also say to you the
emissions track is really quite exciting. I think by twenty
thirty we imagine that farming will actually have its emission
will have met you know, ten percent reduction in emissions,
which is great. But that's all got to come off
the back of and has been coming off the back
(07:22):
of a technology story as well. And we've got a
four hundred million type investment going into R and D
just in the agricultural sector around methane emission. So you know,
you're seeing more and more practices that are minimizing a
mission than I think. Agricultures on quite a good track.
But what we're not going to do is what the
last lot did, which is, you know, threatened to put
agriculture in mets. That's gone, heywok economa gone, and a
(07:47):
lot of other you know, silly legislation that was getting
in the way. We just keep repealing and getting those
barnacles off the boats that farming can get as fast
as it possibly can.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Speaking of the last lot on use today's show, Damien
want to told me the government sending confusing messages on
the agg front around labor, carbon, nitrates, environmental management. Is
this the case, No, not at all.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
I don't really take any lectures from labor or Damien
O'Connor on agriculture. Thank you very much giving the mess
that we were left and we've inherited. But the bottom
line is very simple, as the last government piled on
a huge amount of regulation and legislation on farmers, basically
said farmers were villains and we just disagree completely. We
deeply value farmers. They make a massive contribution to thesell
(08:32):
and it's the backbone of this country and we're not
going to have that. And so that's why we've been
working so hard at just getting rid of dumb regulations,
whether it's winter grazing, you know, there's been a whole
beach of stuff that we're going through. The SNA's wetlands,
the RMA reforms that we've got coming. All of that
stuff as all designed to make sure farmers can get
back to farming and get Wellington out of farming.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
You are Alster Gallipoli on Saturday. I am incredibly jealous.
What are you expecting from the tramp.
Speaker 3 (09:01):
Well, I'm doing two things really, I'm going out on
the weekend to the UK so that I can so
that I can make sure that I can build that
relationship with the King and also with Promise to Kastarma,
and that's an important relationship for New Zealand and long
standing one, but also one with the EU with the
UK FTA that's important for us. And then yes, yes,
dropping into Gallipoli, which will be really special. I mean
(09:23):
I've never been there before. It's one hundred and tenth
commemoration and by all accounts, you know, really moving, moving
moment and so you know, really looking forward to being there.
And as as a kid who's loved military history and
study that campaign a lot, I'm really excited to be
going there, but and representing New Zealand. It'll be a
bunch of keys there, you know that travel there as
(09:43):
they always have done, and I think it's gonna be
a very very special moment.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
Yeah, and Daed well all the best over there. Thank
you so much for your time and hipfully will still
manage to catch up with you next week.
Speaker 3 (09:53):
Sounds great, Rowanie, you have a great week.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
Take care it is seventeen after twelve you are with
the country. Yeah, the Prime they're off to Gallipoli. Love
to go. I'd love to know your thoughts if you've
been there as well. Five double O nine you can
reach me on a bit of excitement there in South Tatanaki,
I said there's been an out of control burnoff Waverley
or just south of Waverley Upper Okatuku Road. Cruise from
(10:18):
party at Waverley and wanging Aw have been at the
scene for almost two hours. They were called there just
after nine this morning. Hopefully that will be under control
very shortly. Look, overnight we had the Global Dairy Trade auction.
It was up, which is fantastic, one point six rise
across the board, building on one point one percent from
the event two weeks ago. Prices have now lifted in
(10:39):
seven of the last twelve auctions since the start of November.
It's exactly what you want to see, more up than down.
Speaker 5 (10:47):
Up.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
Next, we are going to be joined by Andrew Murray
out of Ontira to unpack last night's results, look at
what they're seeing in the market, where the buying was
coming from, and also wats in store for the last
two auctions for the rest this dairy season. Before the
end of the hour, we're off to Canterbury. We're off
to Sydney and we'll find out what is happening, what
the latest is on that tropical cyclone tam mag.
Speaker 6 (11:13):
A little bit of money come in my life, A
little bit of Erica by my side, A little better readers,
all I need a little better.
Speaker 7 (11:24):
Well.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
The first Global Dairy Trade auction overnight passed Trump's tariff
announcement or eyes were on it. Joining me now is
Fonterra CFO Andrew Murray. Good afternoon, Andrew, welcome in.
Speaker 6 (11:36):
Thank you, Robina, good to talk to you. Now.
Speaker 2 (11:38):
Pretty good result all considered overnight. You must be relatively
happy with that one point six percent up across the
board and homework Powder up two point eight percent. They
were the key ones for me.
Speaker 6 (11:50):
Yeah, for sure. I mean I think it was definitely
a reasonable result of it. You know, there was a
bit of uncertainty in the world at the moment, so yeah,
continue to see that demand being quite strong, especially as
you see in home will photos, So we were quite
comfortable as the result.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
There's been quite a change in the New Zealand and
US dollar exchange rate at the moment, so to see
homework Powder above that forty one hundred US three shold,
that was quite reassuring.
Speaker 6 (12:17):
Yes, I mean certainly. You know, we employ quite a
bit of FX hedging in order to make sure that
we can take a bit of that volatility out. But yeah,
it does give us a bit of cautiously optimistic I
guess you would say in terms of hope that may
plead into even into next season.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
What are you seeing out there in the market, you know,
who were the big buyers last night?
Speaker 6 (12:36):
I mean kind of in line with what we normally
see China, Socty, Caesia, Middle Eastern Africa around about the
same sort of level that we normally see them player
So it wasn't any sort of big deviations to what
we normally see from from a geography standpoint, which actually
was good to see, right. It was nice to see
the demand relatively stable in as I said earlier, you know,
(12:57):
quite a different environment.
Speaker 2 (12:59):
How are you getting on on the export front? I
know Frontierra export quite a bit of specialty products to
the US. Where is that sitting at the moment.
Speaker 6 (13:09):
Look, we're not We're not seeing a huge impact at
this stage. I think, you know, the US is a
good important market pros, but you know it's a market
that's already had talis actually for sometimes, so you know,
it's it's not a massive difference. I think more concerned
from our space is just how this please out from
a world economy standpoint. You know this please with you know,
(13:32):
global treed and the ability to actually get up moving
around the world. It's probably more of a can say
than actually old exports into the US.
Speaker 2 (13:39):
Two auctions left of the current dairy season three weeks
though until the next one. This is one of those
three Tuesday Wednesday kind of months. What are you expecting
for the rest of the season.
Speaker 6 (13:52):
Although I think, you know, supply remains where it is,
demand remains where it is. I think we're you know,
we're respecting to be relatively in line with but things
are now. You can see that even last night's result
relatively in lane with with what we're seeing in the
derivatives market. So I don't think we're re expecting much
in the way of surprises. And then obviously, but we'll see.
I think people are certainly there bidding more on neo
(14:14):
term products, so you know, I think people have just
got a little bit of an eye on what next
season looks like. And you know this five picture in there.
Speaker 2 (14:22):
What are you hearing from farmers at the moment, Andrew,
what's the feedback being like, you know, deeries actually doing
relatively well in spite of, as you say, all this
uncertainty eartlier.
Speaker 6 (14:33):
Yes, I mean it's still a little bit mixed. So obviously,
you know, weather in North Island in particular has obviously
been a little bit more problematic recently. Of those South
Sideline seems to be in a decent space. So you know,
people are I think, I think the relatively or optimistic
in the moment in terms of what that looks like. Yeah,
people in an Okay space that the weather in the
(14:54):
north is probably the biggest issue.
Speaker 2 (14:55):
Yeah, and of course last night saying that tropical cyclone
named CycL tam heading our way. I guess your your
field teams are just in touch with farmers if they
need any assistance.
Speaker 6 (15:06):
Yes, of course, yeah, I mean they're always available to talk.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
To the farmers.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
Yew Andrew Murray Fonterra CFO. Always good to chat to
you when there's been a week rise in that global
dairy Trade auction. Thanks so much for your time. Thanks
for reena my pleasure. It is twenty five after twelve.
You are with the country. Yes, more than one hundred
and eighty northern homes are still without power after severe
windgast topple trees, downing power lines. More on that before
(15:32):
the end of the hour. We'll get the latest with
Phil Duncan out of weather Watch dot co dot end ed.
But we're after a region that's a little more calmer
at the moment. Canterbury. Jeff Spug is our farm Strong
Champion this month. He's up next here on the country.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
A little bit of sand rock in the sir stunding.
Speaker 2 (15:53):
With the man as getting monthly. Here on the country,
we catch up with a farm strong farmer. Today it's
the turn of Jeff sparg Canterbury dairy farmer and farm
Strong Champion. He joins me.
Speaker 5 (16:10):
Now, good afternoon, Jeff, Good afternoon Areena.
Speaker 2 (16:13):
Now we've got an amazing event to talk about. But
first just tell me about your farming operation there in Canterbury.
Where are you? What are your farm? How many cows?
Speaker 5 (16:22):
Okay, yeah, we're at Irwell and North Canterbury. We've got
two seven hundred care farms flat land, all irrigated, and
I'm also involved in our family operation where I grew up,
which is on the outskirts Arenguura where we milk another
six hundred tires.
Speaker 2 (16:38):
Beautiful part of the country. How's this season been going
for you? It's actually, as far as I understand, being
pretty kind.
Speaker 5 (16:45):
Yeah, look overall it has been pretty kind. Christmas New
Year and into February was reasonly challenging with your long
irrigation restriction, so we're on a bit of an iphdar
for six or eight weeks, but then we got some
rain and the rivers come up and we're back on
irrigation again. So looks like we're in for quite a
(17:08):
good finish to the season. Fingers crossed.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
Yeah, and that's exactly what you want with the milk
price up. Look, you're involved with Farmstrong and the Rural
Support Trust. Where did that come from? What inspired you
to get involved with those two amazing organizations?
Speaker 5 (17:23):
Rural Support Trust I got sort of shoulder taped to
see if i'd come as a facilitator for that, and
that was about three or four years ago, and I said, yeah,
I would be happy to help out. It's a great
organization helping rural people who need a bit of a hand.
So that was something I was very happy to sort
of get involved with and support Farm Throng. I was
(17:46):
actually looking for a charity. We host a trithlon on
the farm every year, and the event organizer insisted he
gave me something for hosting it, and I said, well,
I don't actually want to, I want to give it
to already. So I looked up and I found Farm Strong.
I loved that live well, Farm Well motto that Farmstrong
(18:07):
runs by, and I thought that's the charity I want
to support. So that was the start of it, and
then yeah, it sort of evolved into getting helping them
out with different events, and yeah, I'm very happy to
support the work Farmstrong's doing. They're doing a great job
Farm Strong and Real Support Trust. They're really doing some
(18:28):
great work in the rural community.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
Recently, you WICKI really involved in the harvesting health events
in Rangiura. Tell me a bit about that.
Speaker 5 (18:37):
Yeah, sure, so local physio and my fulness expert Joe
Hobbinson Hay. She she ran the event last year actually,
which I attended and took some mates along and it
was really good and she was a bit disappointed with
the turnout and she called me a week later and said,
you know what was my sort of feedback? And look,
(18:57):
I said, like, I think you've got great content. Joe
perhaps needs a a support wrap around you. And we
set up a committee and let's do it again, and
we also add in a bit more, we sort of
flesh it out with a bit more sort of connection
time and socializing and it sort of changed the format
a little bit. So yeah, so we got a committee
together with Real Support Trust and farm from came on
(19:18):
board and we got some sponsors from Main Power, Fontira,
Rabu Bank and FMG and yeah, we delivered the event
at the end of last month, had a really good turnout,
great feedback from those that attended, so it was a
really really positive event. And so it's all about providing
people with some tip sister, you know, how to improve
(19:39):
their health and well being. And nothing sort of new
it was, but it was just done. It was a
slightly different approach and a real practical, sort of hands on,
easy to understand approach. So now we had some great
feedback from the night, Yeah, brilliant.
Speaker 2 (19:53):
What were some of the key messages that were provided
for farmers to take home and adapt into their own situations.
Speaker 5 (20:00):
I think one of the main ones through in is connection.
You know, the importance of connection and being connected, and
that comes in many different forms, but certainly, you know,
farming is often quite an isolating occupation, but it's really
important for people to get off arm and go and
connect with your mates and socialize. That's really really good
(20:21):
for your well being. Also, exercise and that's really important
too for your health and wellbeing. And that comes in
many shapes and forms, and it might be a lot
of a group of mates, we go and do regular
bike rides and that's that actually takes a couple of boxes.
It's exercise, but it's also connection and often we'll go
(20:41):
out for a beer afterwards. So we probably we probably
un'tdo all the good work we've done on the boat,
but you know it's really good because you have that
social connection as well. So once again you know, real
simple messaging, but they provide some good real life stories.
Also breathing, so Joe's ah breathing technique expert and the
importance of breathing to reduce stress, anxiety and also pain.
(21:07):
And I actually had somebody who attended the evening call
me just a few days ago and she said that
that breathing information was really good and she now practices
it every time she heads off the bed. You know,
she does her sort of long deep breast and it
just helps calm her in preparation for bed. So just yeah,
some good practical things that were shared on the night.
(21:29):
Joe was there, and we had Shane Fletcher, he's the
X campaign manager for n ZED Rugby. He spoke about
managing teams and John Roach, he's the lead physiotherapist for
the Crusaders, has been for many, many years. He talked
about the positive influences of exercise and how important it
is to keep your body moving.
Speaker 2 (21:49):
Yeah, fantastic, And of course you had the incredible Otago
High Country sheep and beef farmer Jack Cox topping off
the speaking He is amazing. I record did a farm
Strong podcast with Jack a couple of years back. It's
certainly worth a listen. Just google Jack Cox's Farm Strong podcast.
Spent eleven years recovering from a life threatening brain and
(22:11):
eurysm multiple surgeries. Jeff the man is an absolute Legendhi
is Rohena.
Speaker 5 (22:17):
I was great having Jack with us for the evening
and he was sort of our main speaker and he
shared his story and like you really, when you hear
somebody's true story from the heart, you know there's some
great learnings from that, and so I was wonderful to
have him to share his story focused on the value
(22:38):
of purpose and the importance of having support and key
people around you to get through adversity. So some great
messaging from Jack there.
Speaker 2 (22:45):
Absolutely. Jeff Spark, Canterbury dairy farmer Farm Strong Champion involved
in the Rural Support Trust as well. You really did
it all. Thank you so much for your time today
and congratulations on an exceptional harvesting health event last month.
Well done.
Speaker 5 (23:00):
Thanks RONA good day.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
You two are twenty five away from one. You're with
the country. Great text coming through five double oh nine
high guys, weather up north as s h I two
stuck in traffic on State Highway one south of Funa
day Stay home everyone, and I guess that is the
messaging if you don't need to go out and that
weather it is starting to turn really awful near you.
Please do stay home, stay safe as much as you can.
(23:25):
Phil Duncan before the end of the hour with the
latest on that rural news and sports news. Next here
on the country though, look yourself.
Speaker 1 (23:50):
The country's world news with Coldcreet New Zealand's leading right
on lawn bower Bread visit steel for dot co dot
In said for your local.
Speaker 2 (23:58):
Stockist and your rule news. There are concerns for a
man last seen east of Hawkatika nearly three weeks ago,
where the police are appealing for information. The man, known
as Vladimir, was tramping and possum trapping in the Cedar
Flat area east of Hawkatica a few weeks ago. Police
have said on March thirtieth, he was spoken to by
(24:19):
a dock inspector. Concerns have been raised that he may
be lost or injured after food left at Cedar Hearts,
along as some of his gear has not been touched
since and Nominations are now open for the inaugural Growing
Native Forests Champions Awards, celebrating the people in groups leading
native growing efforts. Forestry Minister Tod maclay made the announcement
(24:40):
today that the awards will recognize the farmers, land owners,
EWI and community groups restoring and planting native forests and
helping Boston, New Zealand's biodiversity and land resilience. There are one, two, three, four,
five award categories Trees on Farms for farmers growing native
forests on their land, Lifestyle block owner, This is one
(25:02):
for you, Blocker Drysdale out of South and for owners
of properties under twenty hectares. I think you might be
more than twenty hectares, but we still call you a
hobby farmer. A forestry company for businesses or individuals in
the forestry sector, Manifenua for individuals, faro Hapu and EWE
led projects and Catchment Community Group for local catchment based initiatives.
(25:24):
Fantastic Nominations open on the fifteenth of April, that was yesterday.
That closed on the ninth of May. Winners will be
announced at field Days, So just google it Growing Native
Forests Champions Awards and get amongst at his sport.
Speaker 1 (25:40):
Sport with AFCO. Visit them online at a FCO dot
co dot.
Speaker 2 (25:44):
Nz right in your sports news headlines. Paris and Jermon
have survived in Aston. Villa comeback to advance to the
Champions League Football semifinals five to four on aggregate. PSG
manager Louis and d K has assessed Villas ultimately freeless
three to two victory on the night and hopefully you
can hear this audio.
Speaker 6 (26:05):
I'm not going to forget that much in a long time.
Speaker 2 (26:08):
I think it was a strange match because we dominated
from the first minute, we escored too early goals. After
that we commit some mistays and we pay for them.
What an amazing accent. Barcelona's advanced five to three overall
against Dortmund despite losing their fixture three to one. Away
running Men's Olympic champion scottis Scheffler, who is welcoming an
(26:28):
extra mixed teams golf event at the twenty twenty eight
Los Angeles Games, and investigations are underway as to whether
what has been termed weather doping influenced the eclipsing of
the men's discus world record in Oklahoma on Sunday. And
so I've heard of weather doping before. I haven't caught
up on that one. We might have to ask our
(26:48):
weather man before the end of the hour. But up
next to We're after Sydney. Poor Jewels joins us out
of Rabobank to chat our fertilizer Urea prices and also
Coco prices. Here to Easter. No no, no, no, welcome
(27:13):
if you're Reda like you're Redda, We're after Sydney. On
the country. Now did we find Paul Jill's agricultural analyst
with Rabo Research out of Rabobank. Good afternoon, Paul, Welcome
to the country. Hi, how you doing very well? Thank you?
Now this is your debut on the Country and in
the ad rank you and I were chatting. I was
asking where your accent is from and you're not a
(27:35):
mile away from where I used to farm in Wales.
Speaker 4 (27:38):
Yeah, no, absolutely, so I'm from a place called Pembrokeshire.
In West Wales from in the UK.
Speaker 2 (27:43):
And Saint David's the beautiful part of the country.
Speaker 4 (27:47):
Yeah, no, incredible, it really is a lot more rainfall,
but yeah, in the summer it's absolutely beautiful.
Speaker 2 (27:53):
Yeah, So how do you go from Saint David's to Sydney?
Speaker 4 (27:58):
So so really I've been with Rabbi Bank for three years,
so I did two years in London and then the
opportunity came up to move over to Sydney, which yeah,
I thought was a really really good opportunity and decided
to go for it. So that was really how I
ended up over here.
Speaker 2 (28:12):
Fantastic. Hopefully one day you'll end up in New Zealand,
which is way better than Sydney. But anyway, I'll get
on with the matter at hand. You've written a report
looking at global urea supplies and prices. I mentioned this
with our UISTE farming correspondent Todd Clark last week. He
was saying, you know, urea prices had actually come back,
(28:33):
which was helping farming margins and things like that. What
are you seeing and what's your report all about?
Speaker 4 (28:40):
Yeah, so well, firstly i'd say that that is absolutely correct.
We have seen a bit of an improvement in prices,
But nonetheless, if we look at urea prices against their
historical averages, particularly against the levels that we saw before
we had the initial invasion of the Russia Ukraine War,
those EUREA prices are still about forty five percent higher
than those levels. So really what we're seeing as farmers
(29:01):
are having to deal with these more inflated urea prices,
and that's been the case for quite a while now, Yeah.
Speaker 2 (29:07):
What else does the report show?
Speaker 4 (29:10):
So effectively what it shows and really what we do
is we take a look at the global market from
a sort of bird's eye view, and effectively, what it
tells us is that we are still continuing to see
a number of supply issues in the market which are
really impacting and driving up prices. One of those key
areas is China. So we've effectively seen China drastically reduced
their export capacity, so they're trying to protect local prices
(29:33):
for farmers. So because of that, they've effectively stopped exporting
as much as they typically would and because of that,
we've just seen prices tight.
Speaker 2 (29:40):
And off the back of that, what does New Zealand
typically get our uria? From? Which countries do we export
from the most.
Speaker 4 (29:49):
Yes, and we're typically important from Middle Eastern countries and
actually a lot of the countries that we speak about
in this report, they're not necessarily direct suppliers to us,
but nonetheless it's actually these specific countries that we are
seeing some supply issues, for example China, we're also seeing
some issues in Iran, in Egypt that's impacting global prices
(30:09):
and it's having a knock on effect for us. So
even though it's not necessarily our direct supply chain which
is experiencing issues, we're still seeing issues in that global
market which is actually having a bit of an impact
on our pricing.
Speaker 2 (30:20):
Here is the Key We dollar having much of an
impact as well.
Speaker 4 (30:24):
Yeah, so absolutely, and this is something we've flagged in
the report that because we have seen that weakness in
the Keywed dollar, and because we are very much reliant
on imports and we talk about fertilizers, it really means
that when we have that weakness, then that inflates prices
as well and our expectation over the next twelve months.
It's really a continuation of weakness in the Keywi dollar.
(30:46):
So from that side, it puts a bit of a
limit on potential downside when we talk about imported products
like fertilizers.
Speaker 2 (30:53):
One thing I've also noticed of difference in price this
year compared to last year. Paul and I heard our
sister's station here at the country the hits Dnata and
therejus through the wall there from our office here, I
heard them discussing the price of Easter eggs this morning.
They are significantly more than what we've seen. What's the
(31:16):
global price of coco doing that must be having a
mix of impact.
Speaker 4 (31:20):
Yeah, absolutely, And you know, slightly different topic here, and
this is really one where we certainly have seen some big,
big volatility in recent years. So if we cast our
mind back to last year, we saw coco prices reach
a record high. They were three or four times above
the typical average you'd see cocoa prices trader. They have
come off those record high levels, but then again, if
(31:42):
you compare them to the historical average, we're still very
very very high. Just to give you an idea, So,
cocoa prices trade in US dollar terms, typically they trade
around about three thousand dollars a ton. At the moment,
they're about eight thousand dollars a ton, so and that's
actually come off from the highs that we've previously seen
last year. So even though we've seen a bit of
(32:03):
a coolind, we're still very much in a very high
priced environment. So these chocolate companies are probably being forced
to pass on these higher prices to consumers. And that's
been the case for a while now.
Speaker 2 (32:13):
Yeah, well, hopefully it continues to act as a bit
of a deterrent because my waistline is enjoying the higher prices,
although my taste buds are not. Paul Jewels, agricultural analysts
from Rabobank out of the Sydney office. I really appreciate
your time on the Country today. Go well, thanks jo
having me my pleasure. It is turn away from one.
(32:35):
Latest on tropical cyclone tamer yacht has now sunk, as
well as more than one hundred and eighty northern homes
is still without power. Phil Duncan out of weather watch
dot co dot zed, making his second appearance on the
Country next to update us on what to look out
for next.
Speaker 1 (32:54):
You'll say.
Speaker 2 (32:59):
Everywhere, always take the weather with you, everywhere, the weather
rapping the country for your Wednesday. Awey bit of cliched
weather man's songs. Weather with You just because Jamie's not here.
Phil Duncan from where the watch dot co Dot ended,
and I can do what I like.
Speaker 7 (33:19):
I always wanted that song to be used for an ad.
If I ever promoted our new where to Watch at,
you could say, well, it's the perfect lyrics. Everywhere you
go you always take the weather with you?
Speaker 2 (33:29):
Well you do. Actually, that's that's not bad from you.
Speaker 4 (33:32):
I could afford the Yeah, yeah, there is that.
Speaker 2 (33:35):
Hey, what is bad is starting to be the impact
of tropical cyclone tam As I've mentioned throughout the show.
A yachts now sunk, more than one hundred and eighty
northern homes are still without power, severe wind gusts of
toppled trees down in power lines. We were chatting in
the ad break fill, you've noticed those power cuts starting
to impact on Auckland as well as the impact makes
(33:56):
its way down the country.
Speaker 3 (33:58):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (33:58):
So the storm it's it's still a tropical cyclone, but
by this afternoon it'll be a subtropical storm. And that's technicality.
As it moves southwards, it's just like you know game
a rugby wants you across a certain line, the rules change,
and so the storm's coming down and it's now going
to be it's not really tropical Cyclone tam Is. You know.
(34:19):
It's kind of interesting, but as far as weather forecasters
are concerned with already, fact that whether the storm was
or wasn't a cyclone that was named doesn't really make
much difference to what is going to happen as it
comes down here. And so it's tracking very fast out
of the tropics, about sixty something kilometers an hour. That's
how fast it's moving in comparison Cyclone Alfred that just
(34:42):
Cleanland was moving around walking speed when it comes. But
this one's going to slow down as it comes into
the New Zealand area because there's a very large area
of high pressure south of the country and that's ballooning
out over around the Channel Islands and out to our
east over the next few days, and that acts like
a giant sort of bra or wall in the sky,
(35:02):
and this storm runs into it stalls in the Tasman Sea,
and that action is the reason why we're getting those
very strong winds now as it interacts with that big Hey,
I hope that all made sense.
Speaker 2 (35:12):
It did, I could follow you, so that's good. Look.
Emergency management teams have urged people to secure outdoor furniture,
clean drains and gutters, prepare a head for road travel
and potential potential power outages. We've already been hearing from
people on the text line on the road in North
and saying this traffic jams. If you don't need to
be out on the road, just stay at home and
(35:34):
stay safe.
Speaker 7 (35:35):
Yeah, I mean I always hate, you know, weather forecast
is We always feel like Captain come down, always sort
of giving the rules so everyone and telling people what
to do. But I have to say, you know, between
now and certainly good Friday travel conditions in the Upper
North Island in particular are pretty bad. We're going to
be seeing gale force winds that on hilltops could be
one hundred and forty kilometers an hour, seeing rain that
(35:57):
could be over three four hundred million meters in some
areas over the next four or five days. And that
starts today and really sets in tomorrow. So it's a
slow system. The high pressure system that's out to our
east or will be, is going to keep this all
around and the low itself. You know, some people are
saying to me today, oh, the tracking shows are going
out into the Tasman Sea. If it was a tropical
(36:20):
cyclone when it hit New Zealand, sort of like what
Gabriel was. That was a huge storm, much much bigger
than this one. When that one came down, the center
of it mattered. Where the center of this one goes
doesn't matter as much because it's changing into a new colder,
you know. I don't want to get too technical, but
it changes the shape, makes the center of it not
as stormy as sometimes the outer edges. And that's why
(36:43):
they are the severe weather warnings in place.
Speaker 2 (36:45):
Honestly, Phil and I don't know if you can answer
this one, but it's like the weather knows when there's
long weekends and we want to get out and do
activities and connect with people where we can and where
farming allows us. It just knows that that's coming, and
it wins our plans.
Speaker 7 (37:01):
I write for the Farmer's Weekly, and I wrote a
column in there a few weeks ago where I said,
pretty much every easter, you can split it in half.
Fifty percent is stormy, the other fifty percent it's not
that bad. And like that was before we kind of
knew about this. So this is your fault, Yeah it is.
And I was born in the seventies and I can. Honestly,
I've got so many memories of Easters where there was
(37:23):
a storm, not every one of them, some of them
were beautiful. But yeah, I've got a lot of memories
that sort of stick in my mind more than I
do for Christmas or any other holiday.
Speaker 6 (37:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (37:31):
See, I've got the memories of Christmas and New Year
holidays at Papamola camping with the tropical cyclones like Fergus
and Drina of old. Yeah. So now I associate my
summer holidays with awful weather. Phil Duncan out of weather
watch dot co, dot ZID appreciate that time, and you
take that weather with you somewhere away from us.
Speaker 7 (37:50):
February much cheers, no.
Speaker 2 (37:52):
Worries, Right, Jamie McKay back with us on the Country tomorrow.
I'll join him as well. Enjoy your Wednesday, but please
do take care and excited about there always.
Speaker 4 (38:04):
Thank you ever.
Speaker 1 (38:06):
Catch all the latest from the land It's the Country
Podcast with Jamie mckue. Thanks to Frent You're specialist in
John Deere construction equipment
Catch all the latest from the land. It's the Country
Podcast with Jamie McGue thanks to Brent, you're specialist in
John Deere machinery.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
A very good afternoon, New Zealand. To welcome into the Country.
My name is Rowena Duncan and for Jamie McKay once
again today. Hoping to have him back with us tomorrow
(00:37):
as we head into a long easter weekend. A bit
of wild weather though around the country. You'd have to
be hiding into a rock to have not heard about it,
but we are starting to see some power outages popping
up across North under tropical Cyclone tam nears New Zealand.
Towards the end of the hour, we might get Phil
Duncan from whether watch dot co dot ended back on
(00:58):
the show. We only chatted to two days ago, but
with the tropical cyclone being named last night, things changing
pretty quickly, might get him back on just for a
quick we recap before one o'clock. We're going to kick
off the show today with the Prime Minister of New Zealand,
Christopher lux and he's in New Plymouth today chatting to
people there. Obviously oil and gas a bag industry for
(01:21):
the New Plymouth and Tatanaki region. Quite a challenging few
years really in terms of direction, what's happening, is it
going is it going to be allowed to continue? So
the Prime Minister's thoughts on that. Plus, of course we
had an announcement a report out yesterday around agricultural emissions
beef in Land, New Zealand, saying these are only down
(01:42):
because we're basically prioritizing land instead of stock, you know,
stock out treason. We'll get the Prime Minister's thoughts on
that as well, and when that legislation is coming through
that's going to prevent wholesale farm to forestry conversions. That
view very shortly Andrew Murray joining us out of on Terra.
There's chief financial officer a global dairy trade auction overnight
(02:04):
last night, the first after Trump's tariff announcements. All eyes
were on that one. Pretty good result though, it's got
to be said. So we will keep a close eye
on that one and get to Andrew on to go
through some of the results that we saw last night.
We've got our farmstrong farmer today. We missed him use today.
He's based in the Tartanaki, the Canterbury region. Sorry, his
(02:27):
name is Jeff Sparks. Get his thoughts on an amazing
event that's been held in Canterbury recently. Some of the
key messages coming through for farmers and Paul Jewels out
of Rabobank's Sydney office. What is happening globally in terms
of urea fertilizer prices and oh my goodness, what is
happening with cocoa prices. If you've had to go into
(02:47):
the supermarket recently to buy your Easter eggs, you're in
for a bit of a shock. Your money didn't go
quite as far as it might have done last year
the year before. We'll look at global prices with Paul
Jewels out of Rabobank as well. It is ten after twelve.
You're with the Country, the Country, Welcome back to the
(03:08):
Country Weekly. On a Wednesday, we catch up with the
Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxen. Joins me.
Speaker 3 (03:14):
Now, good afternoon, good afterday, Rowan, and how are you today?
Speaker 2 (03:17):
Very well? Thank you. You're on a very important mission
off to New Plymouth. How are things going there?
Speaker 4 (03:24):
Well?
Speaker 3 (03:24):
Look, I mean it's an area that's been quite devastated,
to be honest, with the oil and gas ban, and
we're going to overturn that legislation so we can encourage
people to invest in particularly finding domestic gas. That's been
some of the challenges that you saw last year was
that people who rely on gas because there isn't really
an alternative that's strong enough for heating, running mills and
all sorts of things, they got caught with a lack
(03:47):
of supply of gas last year. That drove the energy challenges.
So we're going I'm down there again just wanting to
see what's going on, and obviously very shortly we'll have
our new legislation coming through that will overturn the oil
and gas ban.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Out trade tariffs and trump any development at Urine since
we last chatted a week ago.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
No, really, it's just about making sure, look, we stay
really cool, calm and collected about it. We don't believe
that tariffs and trade wars are good thing for the
global economy at all. But we have a very positive,
constructive relationship with the US. Will continue to advocate for
New Zealand very strongly. But we also are a small
country and we need to trade with as many people
as we possibly can. And over the last sixteen months,
(04:27):
that's why I've been bouncing around the world just this year.
I've been in Vietnam and the UAE and India and
are about to go to the UK, and we'll do
a trip to China as well this year. But I mean,
all of that is designed so that we actually make
sure that we are signaling strongly to these markets that
we're back in business. Coming out of COVID way too slow,
We're now back in business and we want to do
(04:48):
business with these parts of the world. So you know,
it's an end of let's let's keep a very positive,
constructive relationship with the US. Many of our exporters still
see huge opportunity there in spite of the ten percent
tariff at this point, but also let's grow everywhere else
we can to.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
Are you and Winston Peters on the same page? Yet?
Speaker 3 (05:07):
Absolutely, we've always been on the same page. I think
there was a total media beat up, to be honest
with it, you know, the bottom line is we're staying cool.
Garment collect that. I think everybody saw our behavior last
week and said that's pretty good. That it's a good response.
And likewise, when I've been talking to other world leaders,
that's been my message to them as well, just how
are they processing the tariffs making sure they stay cool
(05:29):
and calm. Thirdly, look at what we can do to
deepen the relationships we've got with bilaterally with these different
countries that we've been building these relationships with. And then
also just reminding the different trading blocks that exists, whether
that CPTPP or the EU, not to go and impose
tariffs on each other and continue to affirm the rules
based system that we've been working to.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Yesterday we saw a report into agricultural emissions come out.
Long story, Sure they've dropped since twenty seventeen. A lot
of that from Land New Zealand are saying it is
down to stock out treason. When is this going to stop?
Like in December last year, Todd McClay as Minister of
Forestry announced sweeping changes to limit wholesale farm to forestry conversions.
(06:14):
Where's that legislation act?
Speaker 3 (06:17):
That'll be law as I understand it by October this year,
which will be really good. So what happens is and
I know for listeners will be going archie. It seems
to take a lot of time. The reality is that
in order to pass the law in New Zealand under
our parliament and through our democracy, you need to first
and foremost write the first bill that actually captures what
you want to do. You then got to go out
to what's called a select committee where the public and
(06:39):
others can make comments for up to six months, and
then you bring it back to the House for us
what's called a second reading, and then it gets improved
upon any drafting errors in the actual law and the
clauses in the document get perfected, and then it goes
back essentially for a third reading, and then it becomes
law ultimately. So it's a process, whether it's been getting patches,
whether it's seeing things like farm conversions that we're working
(07:02):
our way through as quickly as possibly can. But I think,
you know, the proposals we announced last year are really
really sensible. But I just also say to you the
emissions track is really quite exciting. I think by twenty
thirty we imagine that farming will actually have its emission
will have met you know, ten percent reduction in emissions,
which is great. But that's all got to come off
the back of and has been coming off the back
(07:22):
of a technology story as well. And we've got a
four hundred million type investment going into R and D
just in the agricultural sector around methane emission. So you know,
you're seeing more and more practices that are minimizing a
mission than I think. Agricultures on quite a good track.
But what we're not going to do is what the
last lot did, which is, you know, threatened to put
agriculture in mets. That's gone, heywok economa gone, and a
(07:47):
lot of other you know, silly legislation that was getting
in the way. We just keep repealing and getting those
barnacles off the boats that farming can get as fast
as it possibly can.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Speaking of the last lot on use today's show, Damien
want to told me the government sending confusing messages on
the agg front around labor, carbon, nitrates, environmental management. Is
this the case, No, not at all.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
I don't really take any lectures from labor or Damien
O'Connor on agriculture. Thank you very much giving the mess
that we were left and we've inherited. But the bottom
line is very simple, as the last government piled on
a huge amount of regulation and legislation on farmers, basically
said farmers were villains and we just disagree completely. We
deeply value farmers. They make a massive contribution to thesell
(08:32):
and it's the backbone of this country and we're not
going to have that. And so that's why we've been
working so hard at just getting rid of dumb regulations,
whether it's winter grazing, you know, there's been a whole
beach of stuff that we're going through. The SNA's wetlands,
the RMA reforms that we've got coming. All of that
stuff as all designed to make sure farmers can get
back to farming and get Wellington out of farming.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
You are Alster Gallipoli on Saturday. I am incredibly jealous.
What are you expecting from the tramp.
Speaker 3 (09:01):
Well, I'm doing two things really, I'm going out on
the weekend to the UK so that I can so
that I can make sure that I can build that
relationship with the King and also with Promise to Kastarma,
and that's an important relationship for New Zealand and long
standing one, but also one with the EU with the
UK FTA that's important for us. And then yes, yes,
dropping into Gallipoli, which will be really special. I mean
(09:23):
I've never been there before. It's one hundred and tenth
commemoration and by all accounts, you know, really moving, moving
moment and so you know, really looking forward to being there.
And as as a kid who's loved military history and
study that campaign a lot, I'm really excited to be
going there, but and representing New Zealand. It'll be a
bunch of keys there, you know that travel there as
(09:43):
they always have done, and I think it's gonna be
a very very special moment.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
Yeah, and Daed well all the best over there. Thank
you so much for your time and hipfully will still
manage to catch up with you next week.
Speaker 3 (09:53):
Sounds great, Rowanie, you have a great week.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
Take care it is seventeen after twelve you are with
the country. Yeah, the Prime they're off to Gallipoli. Love
to go. I'd love to know your thoughts if you've
been there as well. Five double O nine you can
reach me on a bit of excitement there in South Tatanaki,
I said there's been an out of control burnoff Waverley
or just south of Waverley Upper Okatuku Road. Cruise from
(10:18):
party at Waverley and wanging Aw have been at the
scene for almost two hours. They were called there just
after nine this morning. Hopefully that will be under control
very shortly. Look, overnight we had the Global Dairy Trade auction.
It was up, which is fantastic, one point six rise
across the board, building on one point one percent from
the event two weeks ago. Prices have now lifted in
(10:39):
seven of the last twelve auctions since the start of November.
It's exactly what you want to see, more up than down.
Speaker 5 (10:47):
Up.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
Next, we are going to be joined by Andrew Murray
out of Ontira to unpack last night's results, look at
what they're seeing in the market, where the buying was
coming from, and also wats in store for the last
two auctions for the rest this dairy season. Before the
end of the hour, we're off to Canterbury. We're off
to Sydney and we'll find out what is happening, what
the latest is on that tropical cyclone tam mag.
Speaker 6 (11:13):
A little bit of money come in my life, A
little bit of Erica by my side, A little better readers,
all I need a little better.
Speaker 7 (11:24):
Well.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
The first Global Dairy Trade auction overnight passed Trump's tariff
announcement or eyes were on it. Joining me now is
Fonterra CFO Andrew Murray. Good afternoon, Andrew, welcome in.
Speaker 6 (11:36):
Thank you, Robina, good to talk to you. Now.
Speaker 2 (11:38):
Pretty good result all considered overnight. You must be relatively
happy with that one point six percent up across the
board and homework Powder up two point eight percent. They
were the key ones for me.
Speaker 6 (11:50):
Yeah, for sure. I mean I think it was definitely
a reasonable result of it. You know, there was a
bit of uncertainty in the world at the moment, so yeah,
continue to see that demand being quite strong, especially as
you see in home will photos, So we were quite
comfortable as the result.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
There's been quite a change in the New Zealand and
US dollar exchange rate at the moment, so to see
homework Powder above that forty one hundred US three shold,
that was quite reassuring.
Speaker 6 (12:17):
Yes, I mean certainly. You know, we employ quite a
bit of FX hedging in order to make sure that
we can take a bit of that volatility out. But yeah,
it does give us a bit of cautiously optimistic I
guess you would say in terms of hope that may
plead into even into next season.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
What are you seeing out there in the market, you know,
who were the big buyers last night?
Speaker 6 (12:36):
I mean kind of in line with what we normally
see China, Socty, Caesia, Middle Eastern Africa around about the
same sort of level that we normally see them player
So it wasn't any sort of big deviations to what
we normally see from from a geography standpoint, which actually
was good to see, right. It was nice to see
the demand relatively stable in as I said earlier, you know,
(12:57):
quite a different environment.
Speaker 2 (12:59):
How are you getting on on the export front? I
know Frontierra export quite a bit of specialty products to
the US. Where is that sitting at the moment.
Speaker 6 (13:09):
Look, we're not We're not seeing a huge impact at
this stage. I think, you know, the US is a
good important market pros, but you know it's a market
that's already had talis actually for sometimes, so you know,
it's it's not a massive difference. I think more concerned
from our space is just how this please out from
a world economy standpoint. You know this please with you know,
(13:32):
global treed and the ability to actually get up moving
around the world. It's probably more of a can say
than actually old exports into the US.
Speaker 2 (13:39):
Two auctions left of the current dairy season three weeks
though until the next one. This is one of those
three Tuesday Wednesday kind of months. What are you expecting
for the rest of the season.
Speaker 6 (13:52):
Although I think, you know, supply remains where it is,
demand remains where it is. I think we're you know,
we're respecting to be relatively in line with but things
are now. You can see that even last night's result
relatively in lane with with what we're seeing in the
derivatives market. So I don't think we're re expecting much
in the way of surprises. And then obviously, but we'll see.
I think people are certainly there bidding more on neo
(14:14):
term products, so you know, I think people have just
got a little bit of an eye on what next
season looks like. And you know this five picture in there.
Speaker 2 (14:22):
What are you hearing from farmers at the moment, Andrew,
what's the feedback being like, you know, deeries actually doing
relatively well in spite of, as you say, all this
uncertainty eartlier.
Speaker 6 (14:33):
Yes, I mean it's still a little bit mixed. So obviously,
you know, weather in North Island in particular has obviously
been a little bit more problematic recently. Of those South
Sideline seems to be in a decent space. So you know,
people are I think, I think the relatively or optimistic
in the moment in terms of what that looks like. Yeah,
people in an Okay space that the weather in the
(14:54):
north is probably the biggest issue.
Speaker 2 (14:55):
Yeah, and of course last night saying that tropical cyclone
named CycL tam heading our way. I guess your your
field teams are just in touch with farmers if they
need any assistance.
Speaker 6 (15:06):
Yes, of course, yeah, I mean they're always available to talk.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
To the farmers.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
Yew Andrew Murray Fonterra CFO. Always good to chat to
you when there's been a week rise in that global
dairy Trade auction. Thanks so much for your time. Thanks
for reena my pleasure. It is twenty five after twelve.
You are with the country. Yes, more than one hundred
and eighty northern homes are still without power after severe
windgast topple trees, downing power lines. More on that before
(15:32):
the end of the hour. We'll get the latest with
Phil Duncan out of weather Watch dot co dot end ed.
But we're after a region that's a little more calmer
at the moment. Canterbury. Jeff Spug is our farm Strong
Champion this month. He's up next here on the country.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
A little bit of sand rock in the sir stunding.
Speaker 2 (15:53):
With the man as getting monthly. Here on the country,
we catch up with a farm strong farmer. Today it's
the turn of Jeff sparg Canterbury dairy farmer and farm
Strong Champion. He joins me.
Speaker 5 (16:10):
Now, good afternoon, Jeff, Good afternoon Areena.
Speaker 2 (16:13):
Now we've got an amazing event to talk about. But
first just tell me about your farming operation there in Canterbury.
Where are you? What are your farm? How many cows?
Speaker 5 (16:22):
Okay, yeah, we're at Irwell and North Canterbury. We've got
two seven hundred care farms flat land, all irrigated, and
I'm also involved in our family operation where I grew up,
which is on the outskirts Arenguura where we milk another
six hundred tires.
Speaker 2 (16:38):
Beautiful part of the country. How's this season been going
for you? It's actually, as far as I understand, being
pretty kind.
Speaker 5 (16:45):
Yeah, look overall it has been pretty kind. Christmas New
Year and into February was reasonly challenging with your long
irrigation restriction, so we're on a bit of an iphdar
for six or eight weeks, but then we got some
rain and the rivers come up and we're back on
irrigation again. So looks like we're in for quite a
(17:08):
good finish to the season. Fingers crossed.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
Yeah, and that's exactly what you want with the milk
price up. Look, you're involved with Farmstrong and the Rural
Support Trust. Where did that come from? What inspired you
to get involved with those two amazing organizations?
Speaker 5 (17:23):
Rural Support Trust I got sort of shoulder taped to
see if i'd come as a facilitator for that, and
that was about three or four years ago, and I said, yeah,
I would be happy to help out. It's a great
organization helping rural people who need a bit of a hand.
So that was something I was very happy to sort
of get involved with and support Farm Throng. I was
(17:46):
actually looking for a charity. We host a trithlon on
the farm every year, and the event organizer insisted he
gave me something for hosting it, and I said, well,
I don't actually want to, I want to give it
to already. So I looked up and I found Farm Strong.
I loved that live well, Farm Well motto that Farmstrong
(18:07):
runs by, and I thought that's the charity I want
to support. So that was the start of it, and
then yeah, it sort of evolved into getting helping them
out with different events, and yeah, I'm very happy to
support the work Farmstrong's doing. They're doing a great job
Farm Strong and Real Support Trust. They're really doing some
(18:28):
great work in the rural community.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
Recently, you WICKI really involved in the harvesting health events
in Rangiura. Tell me a bit about that.
Speaker 5 (18:37):
Yeah, sure, so local physio and my fulness expert Joe
Hobbinson Hay. She she ran the event last year actually,
which I attended and took some mates along and it
was really good and she was a bit disappointed with
the turnout and she called me a week later and said,
you know what was my sort of feedback? And look,
(18:57):
I said, like, I think you've got great content. Joe
perhaps needs a a support wrap around you. And we
set up a committee and let's do it again, and
we also add in a bit more, we sort of
flesh it out with a bit more sort of connection
time and socializing and it sort of changed the format
a little bit. So yeah, so we got a committee
together with Real Support Trust and farm from came on
(19:18):
board and we got some sponsors from Main Power, Fontira,
Rabu Bank and FMG and yeah, we delivered the event
at the end of last month, had a really good turnout,
great feedback from those that attended, so it was a
really really positive event. And so it's all about providing
people with some tip sister, you know, how to improve
(19:39):
their health and well being. And nothing sort of new
it was, but it was just done. It was a
slightly different approach and a real practical, sort of hands on,
easy to understand approach. So now we had some great
feedback from the night, Yeah, brilliant.
Speaker 2 (19:53):
What were some of the key messages that were provided
for farmers to take home and adapt into their own situations.
Speaker 5 (20:00):
I think one of the main ones through in is connection.
You know, the importance of connection and being connected, and
that comes in many different forms, but certainly, you know,
farming is often quite an isolating occupation, but it's really
important for people to get off arm and go and
connect with your mates and socialize. That's really really good
(20:21):
for your well being. Also, exercise and that's really important
too for your health and wellbeing. And that comes in
many shapes and forms, and it might be a lot
of a group of mates, we go and do regular
bike rides and that's that actually takes a couple of boxes.
It's exercise, but it's also connection and often we'll go
(20:41):
out for a beer afterwards. So we probably we probably
un'tdo all the good work we've done on the boat,
but you know it's really good because you have that
social connection as well. So once again you know, real
simple messaging, but they provide some good real life stories.
Also breathing, so Joe's ah breathing technique expert and the
importance of breathing to reduce stress, anxiety and also pain.
(21:07):
And I actually had somebody who attended the evening call
me just a few days ago and she said that
that breathing information was really good and she now practices
it every time she heads off the bed. You know,
she does her sort of long deep breast and it
just helps calm her in preparation for bed. So just yeah,
some good practical things that were shared on the night.
(21:29):
Joe was there, and we had Shane Fletcher, he's the
X campaign manager for n ZED Rugby. He spoke about
managing teams and John Roach, he's the lead physiotherapist for
the Crusaders, has been for many, many years. He talked
about the positive influences of exercise and how important it
is to keep your body moving.
Speaker 2 (21:49):
Yeah, fantastic, And of course you had the incredible Otago
High Country sheep and beef farmer Jack Cox topping off
the speaking He is amazing. I record did a farm
Strong podcast with Jack a couple of years back. It's
certainly worth a listen. Just google Jack Cox's Farm Strong podcast.
Spent eleven years recovering from a life threatening brain and
(22:11):
eurysm multiple surgeries. Jeff the man is an absolute Legendhi
is Rohena.
Speaker 5 (22:17):
I was great having Jack with us for the evening
and he was sort of our main speaker and he
shared his story and like you really, when you hear
somebody's true story from the heart, you know there's some
great learnings from that, and so I was wonderful to
have him to share his story focused on the value
(22:38):
of purpose and the importance of having support and key
people around you to get through adversity. So some great
messaging from Jack there.
Speaker 2 (22:45):
Absolutely. Jeff Spark, Canterbury dairy farmer Farm Strong Champion involved
in the Rural Support Trust as well. You really did
it all. Thank you so much for your time today
and congratulations on an exceptional harvesting health event last month.
Well done.
Speaker 5 (23:00):
Thanks RONA good day.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
You two are twenty five away from one. You're with
the country. Great text coming through five double oh nine
high guys, weather up north as s h I two
stuck in traffic on State Highway one south of Funa
day Stay home everyone, and I guess that is the
messaging if you don't need to go out and that
weather it is starting to turn really awful near you.
Please do stay home, stay safe as much as you can.
(23:25):
Phil Duncan before the end of the hour with the
latest on that rural news and sports news. Next here
on the country though, look yourself.
Speaker 1 (23:50):
The country's world news with Coldcreet New Zealand's leading right
on lawn bower Bread visit steel for dot co dot
In said for your local.
Speaker 2 (23:58):
Stockist and your rule news. There are concerns for a
man last seen east of Hawkatika nearly three weeks ago,
where the police are appealing for information. The man, known
as Vladimir, was tramping and possum trapping in the Cedar
Flat area east of Hawkatica a few weeks ago. Police
have said on March thirtieth, he was spoken to by
(24:19):
a dock inspector. Concerns have been raised that he may
be lost or injured after food left at Cedar Hearts,
along as some of his gear has not been touched
since and Nominations are now open for the inaugural Growing
Native Forests Champions Awards, celebrating the people in groups leading
native growing efforts. Forestry Minister Tod maclay made the announcement
(24:40):
today that the awards will recognize the farmers, land owners,
EWI and community groups restoring and planting native forests and
helping Boston, New Zealand's biodiversity and land resilience. There are one, two, three, four,
five award categories Trees on Farms for farmers growing native
forests on their land, Lifestyle block owner, This is one
(25:02):
for you, Blocker Drysdale out of South and for owners
of properties under twenty hectares. I think you might be
more than twenty hectares, but we still call you a
hobby farmer. A forestry company for businesses or individuals in
the forestry sector, Manifenua for individuals, faro Hapu and EWE
led projects and Catchment Community Group for local catchment based initiatives.
(25:24):
Fantastic Nominations open on the fifteenth of April, that was yesterday.
That closed on the ninth of May. Winners will be
announced at field Days, So just google it Growing Native
Forests Champions Awards and get amongst at his sport.
Speaker 1 (25:40):
Sport with AFCO. Visit them online at a FCO dot
co dot.
Speaker 2 (25:44):
Nz right in your sports news headlines. Paris and Jermon
have survived in Aston. Villa comeback to advance to the
Champions League Football semifinals five to four on aggregate. PSG
manager Louis and d K has assessed Villas ultimately freeless
three to two victory on the night and hopefully you
can hear this audio.
Speaker 6 (26:05):
I'm not going to forget that much in a long time.
Speaker 2 (26:08):
I think it was a strange match because we dominated
from the first minute, we escored too early goals. After
that we commit some mistays and we pay for them.
What an amazing accent. Barcelona's advanced five to three overall
against Dortmund despite losing their fixture three to one. Away
running Men's Olympic champion scottis Scheffler, who is welcoming an
(26:28):
extra mixed teams golf event at the twenty twenty eight
Los Angeles Games, and investigations are underway as to whether
what has been termed weather doping influenced the eclipsing of
the men's discus world record in Oklahoma on Sunday. And
so I've heard of weather doping before. I haven't caught
up on that one. We might have to ask our
(26:48):
weather man before the end of the hour. But up
next to We're after Sydney. Poor Jewels joins us out
of Rabobank to chat our fertilizer Urea prices and also
Coco prices. Here to Easter. No no, no, no, welcome
(27:13):
if you're Reda like you're Redda, We're after Sydney. On
the country. Now did we find Paul Jill's agricultural analyst
with Rabo Research out of Rabobank. Good afternoon, Paul, Welcome
to the country. Hi, how you doing very well? Thank you?
Now this is your debut on the Country and in
the ad rank you and I were chatting. I was
asking where your accent is from and you're not a
(27:35):
mile away from where I used to farm in Wales.
Speaker 4 (27:38):
Yeah, no, absolutely, so I'm from a place called Pembrokeshire.
In West Wales from in the UK.
Speaker 2 (27:43):
And Saint David's the beautiful part of the country.
Speaker 4 (27:47):
Yeah, no, incredible, it really is a lot more rainfall,
but yeah, in the summer it's absolutely beautiful.
Speaker 2 (27:53):
Yeah, So how do you go from Saint David's to Sydney?
Speaker 4 (27:58):
So so really I've been with Rabbi Bank for three years,
so I did two years in London and then the
opportunity came up to move over to Sydney, which yeah,
I thought was a really really good opportunity and decided
to go for it. So that was really how I
ended up over here.
Speaker 2 (28:12):
Fantastic. Hopefully one day you'll end up in New Zealand,
which is way better than Sydney. But anyway, I'll get
on with the matter at hand. You've written a report
looking at global urea supplies and prices. I mentioned this
with our UISTE farming correspondent Todd Clark last week. He
was saying, you know, urea prices had actually come back,
(28:33):
which was helping farming margins and things like that. What
are you seeing and what's your report all about?
Speaker 4 (28:40):
Yeah, so well, firstly i'd say that that is absolutely correct.
We have seen a bit of an improvement in prices,
But nonetheless, if we look at urea prices against their
historical averages, particularly against the levels that we saw before
we had the initial invasion of the Russia Ukraine War,
those EUREA prices are still about forty five percent higher
than those levels. So really what we're seeing as farmers
(29:01):
are having to deal with these more inflated urea prices,
and that's been the case for quite a while now, Yeah.
Speaker 2 (29:07):
What else does the report show?
Speaker 4 (29:10):
So effectively what it shows and really what we do
is we take a look at the global market from
a sort of bird's eye view, and effectively, what it
tells us is that we are still continuing to see
a number of supply issues in the market which are
really impacting and driving up prices. One of those key
areas is China. So we've effectively seen China drastically reduced
their export capacity, so they're trying to protect local prices
(29:33):
for farmers. So because of that, they've effectively stopped exporting
as much as they typically would and because of that,
we've just seen prices tight.
Speaker 2 (29:40):
And off the back of that, what does New Zealand
typically get our uria? From? Which countries do we export
from the most.
Speaker 4 (29:49):
Yes, and we're typically important from Middle Eastern countries and
actually a lot of the countries that we speak about
in this report, they're not necessarily direct suppliers to us,
but nonetheless it's actually these specific countries that we are
seeing some supply issues, for example China, we're also seeing
some issues in Iran, in Egypt that's impacting global prices
(30:09):
and it's having a knock on effect for us. So
even though it's not necessarily our direct supply chain which
is experiencing issues, we're still seeing issues in that global
market which is actually having a bit of an impact
on our pricing.
Speaker 2 (30:20):
Here is the Key We dollar having much of an
impact as well.
Speaker 4 (30:24):
Yeah, so absolutely, and this is something we've flagged in
the report that because we have seen that weakness in
the Keywed dollar, and because we are very much reliant
on imports and we talk about fertilizers, it really means
that when we have that weakness, then that inflates prices
as well and our expectation over the next twelve months.
It's really a continuation of weakness in the Keywi dollar.
(30:46):
So from that side, it puts a bit of a
limit on potential downside when we talk about imported products
like fertilizers.
Speaker 2 (30:53):
One thing I've also noticed of difference in price this
year compared to last year. Paul and I heard our
sister's station here at the country the hits Dnata and
therejus through the wall there from our office here, I
heard them discussing the price of Easter eggs this morning.
They are significantly more than what we've seen. What's the
(31:16):
global price of coco doing that must be having a
mix of impact.
Speaker 4 (31:20):
Yeah, absolutely, And you know, slightly different topic here, and
this is really one where we certainly have seen some big,
big volatility in recent years. So if we cast our
mind back to last year, we saw coco prices reach
a record high. They were three or four times above
the typical average you'd see cocoa prices trader. They have
come off those record high levels, but then again, if
(31:42):
you compare them to the historical average, we're still very
very very high. Just to give you an idea, So,
cocoa prices trade in US dollar terms, typically they trade
around about three thousand dollars a ton. At the moment,
they're about eight thousand dollars a ton, so and that's
actually come off from the highs that we've previously seen
last year. So even though we've seen a bit of
(32:03):
a coolind, we're still very much in a very high
priced environment. So these chocolate companies are probably being forced
to pass on these higher prices to consumers. And that's
been the case for a while now.
Speaker 2 (32:13):
Yeah, well, hopefully it continues to act as a bit
of a deterrent because my waistline is enjoying the higher prices,
although my taste buds are not. Paul Jewels, agricultural analysts
from Rabobank out of the Sydney office. I really appreciate
your time on the Country today. Go well, thanks jo
having me my pleasure. It is turn away from one.
(32:35):
Latest on tropical cyclone tamer yacht has now sunk, as
well as more than one hundred and eighty northern homes
is still without power. Phil Duncan out of weather watch
dot co dot zed, making his second appearance on the
Country next to update us on what to look out
for next.
Speaker 1 (32:54):
You'll say.
Speaker 2 (32:59):
Everywhere, always take the weather with you, everywhere, the weather
rapping the country for your Wednesday. Awey bit of cliched
weather man's songs. Weather with You just because Jamie's not here.
Phil Duncan from where the watch dot co Dot ended,
and I can do what I like.
Speaker 7 (33:19):
I always wanted that song to be used for an ad.
If I ever promoted our new where to Watch at,
you could say, well, it's the perfect lyrics. Everywhere you
go you always take the weather with you?
Speaker 2 (33:29):
Well you do. Actually, that's that's not bad from you.
Speaker 4 (33:32):
I could afford the Yeah, yeah, there is that.
Speaker 2 (33:35):
Hey, what is bad is starting to be the impact
of tropical cyclone tam As I've mentioned throughout the show.
A yachts now sunk, more than one hundred and eighty
northern homes are still without power, severe wind gusts of
toppled trees down in power lines. We were chatting in
the ad break fill, you've noticed those power cuts starting
to impact on Auckland as well as the impact makes
(33:56):
its way down the country.
Speaker 3 (33:58):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (33:58):
So the storm it's it's still a tropical cyclone, but
by this afternoon it'll be a subtropical storm. And that's technicality.
As it moves southwards, it's just like you know game
a rugby wants you across a certain line, the rules change,
and so the storm's coming down and it's now going
to be it's not really tropical Cyclone tam Is. You know.
(34:19):
It's kind of interesting, but as far as weather forecasters
are concerned with already, fact that whether the storm was
or wasn't a cyclone that was named doesn't really make
much difference to what is going to happen as it
comes down here. And so it's tracking very fast out
of the tropics, about sixty something kilometers an hour. That's
how fast it's moving in comparison Cyclone Alfred that just
(34:42):
Cleanland was moving around walking speed when it comes. But
this one's going to slow down as it comes into
the New Zealand area because there's a very large area
of high pressure south of the country and that's ballooning
out over around the Channel Islands and out to our
east over the next few days, and that acts like
a giant sort of bra or wall in the sky,
(35:02):
and this storm runs into it stalls in the Tasman Sea,
and that action is the reason why we're getting those
very strong winds now as it interacts with that big Hey,
I hope that all made sense.
Speaker 2 (35:12):
It did, I could follow you, so that's good. Look.
Emergency management teams have urged people to secure outdoor furniture,
clean drains and gutters, prepare a head for road travel
and potential potential power outages. We've already been hearing from
people on the text line on the road in North
and saying this traffic jams. If you don't need to
be out on the road, just stay at home and
(35:34):
stay safe.
Speaker 7 (35:35):
Yeah, I mean I always hate, you know, weather forecast
is We always feel like Captain come down, always sort
of giving the rules so everyone and telling people what
to do. But I have to say, you know, between
now and certainly good Friday travel conditions in the Upper
North Island in particular are pretty bad. We're going to
be seeing gale force winds that on hilltops could be
one hundred and forty kilometers an hour, seeing rain that
(35:57):
could be over three four hundred million meters in some
areas over the next four or five days. And that
starts today and really sets in tomorrow. So it's a
slow system. The high pressure system that's out to our
east or will be, is going to keep this all
around and the low itself. You know, some people are
saying to me today, oh, the tracking shows are going
out into the Tasman Sea. If it was a tropical
(36:20):
cyclone when it hit New Zealand, sort of like what
Gabriel was. That was a huge storm, much much bigger
than this one. When that one came down, the center
of it mattered. Where the center of this one goes
doesn't matter as much because it's changing into a new colder,
you know. I don't want to get too technical, but
it changes the shape, makes the center of it not
as stormy as sometimes the outer edges. And that's why
(36:43):
they are the severe weather warnings in place.
Speaker 2 (36:45):
Honestly, Phil and I don't know if you can answer
this one, but it's like the weather knows when there's
long weekends and we want to get out and do
activities and connect with people where we can and where
farming allows us. It just knows that that's coming, and
it wins our plans.
Speaker 7 (37:01):
I write for the Farmer's Weekly, and I wrote a
column in there a few weeks ago where I said,
pretty much every easter, you can split it in half.
Fifty percent is stormy, the other fifty percent it's not
that bad. And like that was before we kind of
knew about this. So this is your fault, Yeah it is.
And I was born in the seventies and I can. Honestly,
I've got so many memories of Easters where there was
(37:23):
a storm, not every one of them, some of them
were beautiful. But yeah, I've got a lot of memories
that sort of stick in my mind more than I
do for Christmas or any other holiday.
Speaker 6 (37:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (37:31):
See, I've got the memories of Christmas and New Year
holidays at Papamola camping with the tropical cyclones like Fergus
and Drina of old. Yeah. So now I associate my
summer holidays with awful weather. Phil Duncan out of weather
watch dot co, dot ZID appreciate that time, and you
take that weather with you somewhere away from us.
Speaker 7 (37:50):
February much cheers, no.
Speaker 2 (37:52):
Worries, Right, Jamie McKay back with us on the Country tomorrow.
I'll join him as well. Enjoy your Wednesday, but please
do take care and excited about there always.
Speaker 4 (38:04):
Thank you ever.
Speaker 1 (38:06):
Catch all the latest from the land It's the Country
Podcast with Jamie mckue. Thanks to Frent You're specialist in
John Deere construction equipment
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