In this episode, we dive into the latest developments across New Zealand’s agricultural sector.

Alex Coddington from AgriHQ provides an update on the lamb and cattle markets, highlighting how weather conditions are affecting livestock prices and availability, while Farmlands chief executive Tanya Houghton discusses the co-operative’s turnaround, posting a net profit of $2.8 million for FY25 after a prior loss. 
 
Lincoln University’s Dr Nic Lees also joins the studio to explore the implications of Fonterra’s $3.2 billion windfall from the sale of its consumer brands, and Federated Farmers vice president Colin Hurst addresses the complexities of agricultural regulations and RMA reform. 

Market Insights | Store stock demand top dollar at saleyards
1:38 – Alex Coddington from AgriHQ discusses the current state of the lamb and cattle markets, highlighting the impact of weather conditions on livestock pricing and availability. She talks us through the softer lamb market in Hawke's Bay, the effects of local buying power, and the strong demand in the cattle market, indicating a seller's market with high confidence in beef prices.

Feature | Farmlands: strategic improvements and market sentiment
6:48 – Farmlands chief executive Tanya Houghton discusses the co-operative’s annual result, which saw it post a net profit after tax of $2.8 million for the 2025 financial year – up from a loss of $9.3m (restated) in FY24. She says a refreshed strategy and the acquisition of nutrition manufacturer Seales Winslow helped turn things around.

Feature | Navigating Fonterra's $3.2 billion windfall
18:34 – Lincoln University’s Dr Nic Lees unpacks Fonterra’s $3.2b windfall from the sale of its consumer brands, exploring how farmers can invest wisely for long-term resilience, efficiency, and sustainability in the dairy sector.
He talks about potential investment strategies for farmers, including the risks associated with increased production, and Fonterra's competitive advantages in the market.

Feds Focus | Survey shows consent process frustrating farmers
29:11 – Federated Farmers vice president Colin Hurst discusses the complexities and costs associated with agricultural regulations. With the RMA currently being reformed by the government, Colin says all consents should be rolled over, rather than forcing farmers to renew them under the outgoing regulatory regime.

The Final Word
35:12 – The arable sector is at the heart of farming in NZ, but is still struggling to conquer the market here. At least 75% of the bread sold in NZ is made with imported grain, something the industry is keen to rectify through the newly launched New Zealand Grown Grains Mark. Early signs are that it might prove a success.