Early Bird I Monday 21st October 2024

Agricultural lending takes centre stage in banking inquiry starting this week, Trade Minister advances dairy market dispute with Canada, and local invention takes mastitis testing into the modern era. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather!   Tensions grow as farmers demand Fish & Game reform Rural communities will have a strong voice in the upcoming examination of New Zealand's banking industry, with agricultural lending taking centre stage in a major parliamentary review starting this week. The inquiry brings together two influential committees, ensuring rural interests remain at the heart of the investigation. Mark Cameron, heading the rural-focused committee, confirmed farming communities would receive dedicated attention during the month-long examination. Leading bank executives must answer to the joint parliamentary review, beginning with ANZ's Antonia Watson on Wednesday. Representatives from all major institutions, including rural lender Rabobank, will attend hearings running through November. The investigation targets key rural concerns, examining whether regional communities receive equal treatment in lending decisions. Additional areas include banking costs, market limitations, and overall industry earnings.  Recent market reviews indicate limited competition among banks, raising questions about rural lending choices. A Commerce Commission study revealed concerning trends in banking services, noting minimal market innovation despite considerable revenue. More than sixty industry representatives requested speaking time at the hearings, with one entire hearing dedicated to agricultural and regional interests. The committees aim to hear all relevant voices before the end of the year..   Trade Minister advances dairy market dispute with Canada New Zealand dairy market access rights remain under threat as Canadian authorities continue ignoring international trade rulings. Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has announced decisive action, triggering mandatory negotiations with Canada under the CPTPP agreement. The move follows Canada's inaction after losing an arbitration ruling last year. That ruling determined Canadian authorities had wrongly restricted New Zealand dairy market access, undermining negotiated trade agreements. Market access under international agreements directly influences dairy returns, making enforcement crucial to maintaining industry value. Our government maintains that Canadian authorities must either grant agreed market access or deliver adequate economic relief to our dairy industry. Minister McClay says the government remains committed to defending New Zealand dairy interests, and highlighted how our trading nation relies on international agreements made in good faith, making enforcement essential to maintain market certainty. McClay has outlined two clear outcomes. Either Canadian authorities meet original agreement terms and welcome New Zealand dairy products, or they must deliver monetary relief to affected dairy interests.  The mandatory talks must start within fifteen days under international trade rules.   Alliance confirms Timaru meat plant closure Alliance Group has announced the closure of its Smithfield meat processing plant in Timaru, affecting over 600 workers, and marking the end of a 139-year-old operation crucial to South Canterbury's agricultural sector. The announcement came during an all-staff meeting at the Southern Trust Events Centre, with Wayne Shaw, Alliance Group's general manager of processing and safety, delivering the news. He explained that most Smithfield employees have already concluded their work, with the venison processing unit set to continue until year's end. This closure highlights broader challenges within New Zealand's meat industry, raising concerns among rural communities about the sector's future. The decision follows Alliance Group's significant losses last year, though many argue the Smithfield plant was among the country's most efficient. Alliance Group has indicated that the Smithfield plant's land will likely be sold for development, with several parties already showing interest.    New medical training centre aims to attract rural doctors The West Coast has marked a major milestone in rural healthcare, becoming New Zealand's inaugural centre for training rural medical talents. Te Whatu Ora West Coast has earned recognition from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, marking two decades of dedication to rural medical excellence. The initiative aims to attract and retain medical talent in rural areas, addressing ongoing healthcare access challenges. Chief Medical Officer Brendan Marshall says this recognition creates new opportunities for medical training, and the region can now attract talented graduates wanting to learn while delivering essential rural health care.  The training centre in Greymouth adopts a method that doubled rural doctor numbers in Queensland, where it originated. This approach enables medical teams to deliver care across various crucial areas, including emergency treatment and mental health, maintaining essential regional medical cover. The training delivers wide-ranging medical knowledge tailored to rural needs. Doctors learn to handle diverse medical challenges common in remote locations, creating medical teams ready for rural healthcare demands.   New Zealand dairy research earns global recognition A revolutionary mastitis detection tool, developed right here in New Zealand, has earned national recognition and a hundred thousand dollar investment through the Auckland University challenge. The innovative device, named QuickMas, delivers results within fifteen minutes, eliminating the usual day-long waiting time dairy owners currently endure when testing their herds. The technology matches the ease of use seen in modern medical testing, allowing dairy owners to conduct assessments directly in their milking areas. The team leader, Auckland researcher Liz Cunningham, understands the daily challenges dairy owners encounter. Her direct experience with mastitis in her own herd motivated the creation of this practical solution. The innovation arrived at an ideal time, as dairy owners across the nation deal with increasing antibiotic management requirements. The new technology eliminates common hurdles in mastitis detection. Unlike existing methods, this tool works without internet connectivity, making it ideal even in remote dairy regions. The results are clear and straightforward, enabling owners to make immediate decisions about herd management. QuickMas analyses milk directly, identifying harmful organisms and monitoring treatment outcomes. This advancement allows dairy owners to determine when an animal can safely return to the main herd, reducing the risk of infection among healthy animals. The team aims to make the device available to dairy owners nationwide next year, with trials currently underway at selected locations. They actively seek industry collaboration to ensure the tool meets real-world needs in our dairy regions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.