Early Bird I Monday August 5th 2024

Farmers welcome regulatory overhaul for agri-products, meat processing gets high-tech boost in Southland, and crowdfunding campaign launched for rural comedy film. 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! Farmers welcome regulatory overhaul for agri-products The government has unveiled the terms of reference for its regulatory review of agricultural and horticultural products, aiming to streamline access to new farming innovations. This move has been welcomed by the primary sector, including Federated Farmers. Regulation Minister David Seymour highlighted the current delays and complexities hindering farmers' and growers' access to products already approved in other OECD countries. The review, conducted by the Ministry for Regulation, will examine ways to accelerate the approval process for safe, innovative products crucial for maintaining competitiveness. Seymour illustrated the current situation with an analogy, comparing it to waiting in an ice cream queue behind a large family, emphasising the lengthy wait times for all applications, whether for changes or new products. The Ministry will engage with importers, manufacturers, and retailers of agricultural and horticultural products, as well as regulators and relevant interest groups. They aim to report back to the government by year-end. Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard emphasised the review's importance for the primary sector's competitiveness and its role in growing GDP and reducing the deficit. He assured that the review would balance improved access with managing risks to human health, trade, the environment, and animal welfare. Federated Farmers arable chair David Birkett expressed enthusiasm for the government's swift action. He noted the current lengthy and costly process for New Zealand farmers to access agrichemicals and other products already used in other OECD countries. Birkett stressed the importance of this review for the sector and the wider economy. He highlighted that to remain competitive in international markets, farmers and growers need quick access to safety-approved new products and treatments. These innovations are crucial for increasing production and addressing challenges such as climate change. Meat processing gets high-tech boost in Southland Alliance Group has completed the installation of an automated cold storage system at its Lorneville facility near Invercargill. The $16 million investment marks a significant upgrade in the plant's operations. The new system, designed by Dunedin-based Scott Technology, uses shuttle vehicles to sort and stack frozen product boxes onto pallets. This automation reduces manual handling, enhancing worker health and safety. Wayne Shaw, Alliance's General Manager of Processing and Safety, highlighted the benefits of this technology. He noted that during peak times, over 60 workers were previously needed for warehouse operations, manually lifting 22-kilogram boxes. This method carried risks of muscular skeletal injuries. The automated system not only addresses these health concerns but also improves operational efficiency. It minimises product damage, reduces safety risks, and decreases the need for forklifts in the facility. Shaw emphasised that this investment demonstrates Alliance's commitment to the Lorneville site and the wider Southland region. It follows a series of upgrades at the plant over the last five years, including a new venison facility and the addition of advanced processing equipment. The decision to implement this technology at Lorneville was made by the Alliance board in 2021, marking it as the first among their plants to receive such an upgrade. While the project took some time to initiate, its completion represents a major step forward in modernising meat processing operations. Employees who previously worked in the manual handling roles have been reassigned to other departments within the plant, ensuring continued employment opportunities. New leadership signals strategic shift for Pamu Farms Pamu Farms of New Zealand, has announced new leadership appointments. John Rae takes on the role of Board Chair, while Sarah Paterson joins as a director. The announcement follows a challenging period after the loss of Dr Warren Parker last December.  Rae brings extensive rural sector experience and a strong commercial background to Pamu. His knowledge aligns with the organisation's strategy and its renewed focus on performance. Paterson contributes expertise in agricultural and trade policy, with a focus on primary industries. Her work involves strategic projects across dairy, red meat, and horticulture sectors. The new board chair, John Rae, emphasised Pamu's unique position. He highlighted the organisation's dual focus on farming excellence and financial performance, while also noting its potential to influence New Zealand's agricultural landscape. Pamu CEO Mark Leslie affirmed the significance of these appointments. He expressed enthusiasm about moving forward with a clear direction, mentioning discussions with Rae regarding Pamu's enhanced performance goals and its strategic role within New Zealand's farming sector. Rae's extensive leadership experience includes chairmanships at several notable organisations and directorships across various sectors. Paterson's diverse board memberships showcase her broad expertise in trade and agriculture. Global shearing crown moves to England in dramatic upset A new world record in eight-hour strongwool lamb shearing has been achieved in England, surpassing the previous mark held by Kiwi Jack Fagan. Twenty-nine year old Nick Greaves accomplished this feat at Amerton Meadows in Staffordshire. Greaves sheared an impressive 764 lambs over four two-hour runs, eclipsing Fagan's record of 754 set in December 2022. The new champion began with a remarkable 199 lambs in his first session, maintaining a steady pace throughout the day with subsequent tallies of 195, 190, and 180. This achievement shifts all current world so lo eight-hour and nine-hour strongwool lambs records to England. The event was overseen by a panel of referees from the World Sheep Shearing Records Society, including New Zealand's Ronny King. Greaves, who has worked extensively in New Zealand, credits his success to mentors like Pete Chilcott. His record attempt followed strict guidelines, including a pre-record wool weigh to ensure compliance with minimum requirements. The new record holder has a history of impressive shearing feats. In 2020, he sheared 763 lambs in nine hours at Tarawera Station, known for its challenging conditions. Greaves has also made his mark in shearing competitions, with notable wins in England. The shearing community's attention now turns to Scotland, where Una Cameron will attempt to break the women's nine-hour strongwool ewes record on Wednesday. Crowdfunding campaign launched for rural comedy film Rural comedy duo Emma Newborn and Amelia Dunbar are taking their hit show The Bitches' Box to the big screen, despite initial funding challenges. The team behind the popular comedy series is now turning to their audience for backing through a Pledge Me campaign. Newborn explained that their aim is to connect urban and rural communities through humour. They've toured for 12 years, building a loyal audience. This movie is their way of thanking them while highlighting unique Kiwi comedy. The Bitches' Box Movie targets a wide audience, including agricultural workers, animal enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys unconventional humour. The duo's track record includes four well-received comedy shows that have earned acclaim across New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Dunbar added that they're inviting their dedicated fans to join this filmmaking journey. They're offering exclusive rewards for contributions. To generate funds for the movie, Newborn and Dunbar are launching a new live tour. The Bitches' Box - Episode 4 will visit Hamilton, Arrowtown, Hastings, and Christchurch, commencing August 17th. The live events will feature their latest show, with Australian comedian Tessa Waters as a supporting act. Attendees will also get an early look at footage from their upcoming film, Sons of a Bitch. The duo's determination comes after being denied funding due to what was termed a perceived lack of audience. However, their extensive touring experience suggests otherwise. Their unique brand of comedy has been described as offbeat and terrifically bonkers by critics. It celebrates rural life and the canine companions that are integral to many New Zealand farms. Newborn and Dunbar believe their film will offer both domestic and international audiences a glimpse into the quirky heart of New Zealand's rural culture. They aim to showcase the country's distinctive humour through their documentary-style character portrayals. For those interested in backing the movie project, attending a live show, or learning more about this comedy venture, go to the Bitches' Box website www.bitchesbox.co.nz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.