Early Bird Rural News with Richard Baddiley cover art

Early Bird Rural News with Richard Baddiley

Early Bird Rural News with Richard Baddiley

Written by: Proud Country Network
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About this listen

Are you short on time to digest all of of New Zealand's rural news? Well we are about to change your life!

Hosted by award-winning newsreader, Richard Baddiley, Early Bird is the short rural news bulletin podcast curated just for you.

Delivered at 5am from Monday-Friday covering the top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand so you have better chat beyond the weather.

Have a press release you'd like shared on the show?

Email richard@countrywidemedia.co.nz

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Episodes
  • Early Bird (Series Final) I Thursday May 1st 2025

    Early Bird (Series Final) I Thursday May 1st 2025
    Apr 30 2025
    Kiwi scientists make breakthrough in methane-reducing pasture, Fonterra to close Waikato canning facility, and farmers positioned for Indonesian dairy boom. 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! Kiwi scientists make breakthrough in methane-reducing pasture AgResearch scientists have recorded an 11 percent reduction in methane emissions from sheep fed genetically modified High Metabolisable Energy ryegrass. The small-scale trial conducted in containment facilities showed the modified ryegrass, with almost double the lipid content of conventional varieties, significantly cut emissions when measured as a percentage of gross energy intake. The HME ryegrass programme, developed with support from Grasslanz Technology, PGG Wrightson Seeds and DairyNZ, has been identified as a potential game-changer for Kiwi farmers. Scientists working on the programme believe unrestricted grazing could deliver even greater methane reductions, while also improving productivity through increased nutritional value. In a separate programme, researchers are progressing High Condensed Tannin white clover towards its first animal feeding trial scheduled for 2026. Early research suggests this modified white clover could reduce methane emissions by 15 percent while improving animal health and production. The team is currently growing the modified clover in Australia to produce enough seed for comprehensive feeding trials. Meanwhile, AgResearch has paused its application for outdoor trials of ryegrass containing gene-edited endophytes in New Zealand. The decision comes as researchers await clarity from the Gene Technology Bill currently before Parliament, which could provide new pathways for trialling these modified endophytes. The modified endophytes aim to provide better plant protection while eliminating harmful effects on livestock that cause heat stress and ryegrass staggers. Fonterra to close Waikato canning facility Fonterra will close its Hamilton packaging and canning facility at the end of July as the dairy cooperative continues to reshape its business toward higher-value products. The Canpac site, which currently employs about 120 people, processes less than one percent of Fonterra's total product volume at approximately 4,000 metric tonnes of powder annually. Fonterra chief operating officer Anna Palairet says the decision reflects the dairy giant's strategic shift toward focusing on its strengths in ingredients and foodservice. Low product volumes through the Hamilton facility combined with increasing production complexities have created challenging economic conditions that no longer align with the cooperative's direction. The company will now begin consultation with affected staff, including exploring potential redeployment opportunities for workers before operations cease on July 31. Farmers positioned for Indonesian dairy boom Kiwi dairy farmers stand to gain significantly from Indonesia's ambitious school milk programme that will require more than double the country's current milk supply, with potential to soak up NZ milk powder and possibly restart live cattle exports. The new Indonesian government has launched a nationwide Nutritious Meals Programme targeting 60 million schoolchildren daily by 2029, creating massive new demand in a market where New Zealand has already been gaining ground. RaboResearch estimates the programme will require over 2 billion litres of milk annually once fully implemented. For New Zealand dairy farmers, the timing couldn't be better. Our market share of Indonesian milk powder imports has surged from just 11 percent in 2019 to a commanding 39 percent today. Fonterra's strategic investment in Indonesian processing facilities back in 2020 has positioned Kiwi farmers to capitalise on this growing market that already imports 2.5 billion litres annually on top of its 900 million litres of domestic production. The potential benefits extend beyond just milk powder exports. Indonesia plans to dramatically increase its national dairy herd, which could provide a much-needed market for New Zealand's currently suspended live cattle export industry. Public consultation on repealing the 2023 export ban is already underway, with Indonesia representing a viable destination for our surplus dairy stock. New report shows rural women struggle with healthcare access Rural women are facing significantly greater barriers to accessing healthcare services compared to their urban counterparts, according to a new Ministry of Health review. The review examined abortion and contraceptive services following the 2020 legislative changes that decriminalised abortion and found that while overall access has improved across New Zealand, concerning gaps remain for rural communities. The Ministry's review revealed that women in remote areas often face lengthy travel ...
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    8 mins
  • Early Bird I Wednesday April 30th 2025

    Early Bird I Wednesday April 30th 2025
    Apr 29 2025
    Legal hurdle slows Fonterra’s multi-billion dollar sell-off, record US beef prices flow through to farmers, and Taupō Hospital accreditation boosts rural healthcare training.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! Legal hurdle slows Fonterra’s multi-billion dollar sell-off Fonterra's plan to divest its consumer products businesses has hit a legal roadblock in Australia that could delay or alter the multi-billion dollar sale affecting Kiwi dairy farmers' cooperative. The Supreme Court of New South Wales dismissed Fonterra's case seeking clarity on trademark licensing agreements with Bega Cheese, ruling it couldn't make declarations on hypothetical deals. The dairy giant wanted confirmation that its divestment plans wouldn't trigger clauses allowing Bega to end their longstanding cheese production agreement in Australia. Justice Elisabeth Peden rejected the application, noting Fonterra had no scheduled sale or restructure agreed with any purchaser yet, making the request premature. Despite the setback, Fonterra insists the court decision won't derail its plans to sell the consumer businesses—potentially worth up to $4 billion according to some analysts. The cooperative maintains these businesses could still be sold as one entity called Mainland or as separate operations. The divestment strategy aims to refocus Fonterra on its core business of processing New Zealand milk within the country, a move closely watched by dairy farmers across the nation. Fonterra remains confident the provisions of its licensing agreement with Bega aren't affected by the divestment process, though court documents reveal Fonterra lawyers had warned a negative decision could potentially kill the divestment plan or significantly impact the sale price. The cooperative has indicated it may seek another court determination later when sale details are more concrete. Record US beef prices flow through to farmers Premium beef prices have surged 22% over the past year as strong American demand combines with reduced local supply to create a win for Kiwi beef farmers. Stats NZ data shows porterhouse steak now retails at $38.43 per kilogram, up from $31.50 in March last year, marking the largest annual price increase since 2011. Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Kit Arkwright says the price jump reflects growing international demand, particularly from the United States where the cattle herd sits at record lows while consumption remains high. The American market currently accounts for 52% by value of New Zealand beef exports, with that dominance expected to continue throughout 2025 despite some uncertainty around tariff policies under President Trump's administration. The export-driven price increase coincides with reduced domestic supply, with beef production volumes down approximately 5-6% compared to the first quarter of 2024. This decline stems from fewer beef calves being reared two years ago, further tightening the market. Supermarket chain Woolworths acknowledges they're paying more to farmers and processors to secure domestic supply amid the increased export competition. Taupō Hospital accreditation boosts rural healthcare training Taupō Hospital has become the first in the North Island accredited to deliver Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine training. The move will help address critical doctor shortages in the region by training more rural generalists equipped to handle a wide range of health needs. The accreditation means doctors can now train at Taupō Hospital while developing advanced skills in specialties like obstetrics, anaesthetics, mental health, or endoscopy. This creates a pathway for both New Zealand and Australian medical graduates to gain rural medicine qualifications while serving the local community, potentially easing the burden on patients who currently travel long distances for care. Health Minister Simeon Brown says the development aligns with government commitments to strengthen the rural health workforce, particularly for the one in five Kiwis living in rural areas. Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey highlights that the accreditation complements the existing New Zealand Rural Hospital Medicine Training Programme and creates opportunities for Kiwi doctors working overseas to return home during their training. Ministry review highlights rural healthcare challenges Meanwhile a new Ministry of Health review shows rural women are facing significantly greater barriers to accessing healthcare services compared to their urban counterparts. The review examined abortion and contraceptive services following the 2020 legislative changes that decriminalised abortion and found that while overall access has improved across New Zealand, concerning gaps remain for rural communities. The Ministry's review revealed that women in remote ...
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    7 mins
  • Early Bird I Tuesday April 29th 2025

    Early Bird I Tuesday April 29th 2025
    Apr 28 2025
    Trade Minister welcomes Saudi delegation to boost export opportunities, dairy conversion interest surges in Canterbury, and new app tackles parasites on sheep farms. 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! Trade Minister welcomes Saudi delegation to boost export opportunities Trade Minister Todd McClay has welcomed Saudi Arabia's Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture to New Zealand, kickstarting talks aimed at strengthening export opportunities for Kiwi farmers and businesses. Minister AlFadley is leading a delegation of more than 35 senior Saudi officials and business representatives for the 9th New Zealand-Saudi Arabia Joint Ministerial Commission. The high-level meeting builds on momentum following last year's successful conclusion of negotiations for the New Zealand-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement. The Commission will showcase world-class New Zealand agricultural products while promoting investment opportunities in technology and digital innovation sectors. Both Ministers will participate in business outreach activities specifically targeting agriculture, technology and digital innovation during the visit. Saudi Arabia, as the Gulf's largest economy, represents a crucial market for New Zealand exporters, with exports reaching $1.14 billion last year. Otago egg farm back in business after avian flu eradication Mainland's Otago egg farm is set to begin repopulating after successfully eradicating high pathogenic avian influenza, with biosecurity restrictions now lifted. The H7N6 strain detected in December last year was contained entirely to the Hillgrove property, marking the first-ever case of HPAI in New Zealand. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard credits the rapid response from both the farmer and MPI as crucial to preventing the spread beyond the initial outbreak. The wider poultry industry played a vital role in containing the outbreak, providing expertise and support throughout the response. This collaborative approach ensured the disease was stamped out quickly, safeguarding the competitive advantage New Zealand farmers enjoy due to our freedom from many pests and diseases. While this H7N6 strain is less virulent than the devastating H5N1 strain that has decimated poultry flocks overseas, the response served as a valuable test of New Zealand's preparedness plans. Dairy conversion interest surges in Canterbury Canterbury could be on the cusp of another dairy conversion boom as strong milk prices and changing regulations spark renewed interest in expanding the region's dairy footprint. Environment Canterbury has already granted three new conversion consents and one for intensifying an existing farm since the start of this year. Industry insiders report that up to 25 conversions may be underway in Canterbury, which currently produces 14% of New Zealand's milk. The renewed interest coincides with record farmgate milk prices likely to exceed $10 per kilogram of milk solids for the first time, alongside forecasts for another strong season starting June 1st. Fonterra reports conversion and restart numbers across the country have reached double figures, while Synlait Milk is fielding significant inquiries from farmers looking to convert. Banks are reporting increased inquiry levels but say this represents a significant shift from three years ago when conversions weren't being discussed. While Canterbury shows the strongest interest, some conversions are also occurring in Southland, Otago, central North Island and Waikato regions. New app tackles parasites on sheep farms A Waimate veterinarian is creating an innovative app to help sheep farmers battle drench resistance, with testing set to begin later this year. Ryan Luckman's DAGI, Drench and Grazing Integration app simplifies the complex challenge of parasite management on farm. The technology guides farmers on optimal grazing decisions for young stock while maintaining refugia – populations of worms not exposed to drench treatments. Luckman developed the concept after recognising how difficult it was for farmers to implement effective Wormwise principles. With over 30 percent of sheep farms now experiencing drench resistance, the app works behind the scenes to alert farmers when paddocks might pose larval risks despite appearing to offer quality feed. This helps break the cycle where parasites reduce feed intake, slow growth, and increase drench dependency. DAGI has earned finalist status in the Fieldays Innovation Awards' Prototype category and received industry support. Luckman is now seeking sheep farmers to participate in testing later this year. US trade policy sours outlook for NZ wine heavyweight Oyster Bay producer Delegat is feeling the pinch of international trade tensions with a significant earnings downgrade despite exceptional harvest results. The...
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    6 mins
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