In this episode:

News Wrap | The rise and challenges of Rockit Apples
1:25 – Senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses some emerging issues at Rockit Apples. North Island growers are voicing concern about the company’s ability to process the growing crop, while in the South Island, a big new planting funded by the NZ Super Fund is under way.

Market Insights | Tight margins, big red meat markets
7:20 – AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad wraps up the global red meat markets, which are all looking strong. Lamb and mutton prices are still at record highs and the new season is looking good for most.

Feds Focus | Nitrate emergency declaration ‘takes aim at farmers’
15:35 – Vice president Colin Hurst isn’t a fan of the nitrate emergency declaration, saying it once again vilifies farmers who are already working to improve the state of freshwater in Canterbury.

Feature | Nitrate emergency: a call to action in Canterbury
24:35 – Outgoing Environment Canterbury councillor Vicky Southworth explains why she brought a notice of motion to declare a nitrate emergency to the council’s final meeting of the term. She says reports on groundwater quality are worsening and the incoming council needs to prioritise the issue.

The Final Word
36:20 – Co-ops have served New Zealand farmers well over the years, but is it time to take a look at our relationship with the model and ask if some tweaks are needed? Some say the inability of our big co-ops to raise funds from shareholders shows that while we’re happy to enjoy the value, we’re less than impressed when challenges arise.