10 May 2024

Rural News Wrap

From Country Life, 7:12 pm on 10 May 2024
Beef exports reached a new high of $411m in June 2021, while exports for logs and wood also reached a new high of $561m in June 2021.

Meat and log prices have hit new lows, with weakened demand from China partly to blame. Photo: 123RF

A tough time for foresters and sheep and beef farmers alike, with weakened demand from China driving log and meat prices down to new lows. Find out more here.

It's seen major meat company ANZCO Foods report a net profit after tax of $44.4 million for the year ending 31 December, down from $106.6m profit in 2022. Find out more.

Things are better for dairy farmers though, with global prices lifting, hopes the ailing dairy goat industry has turned a corner, and Māori dairy company Miraka saying a focus on higher value products like cream and frozen milk over milk powder is paying off.

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There are hopes the ailing dairy goat industry has turned a corner. Photo: Susan Murray/RNZ

Work on a new 'holy grail' vaccine to lower methane emissions is ramping up. Find out more.

Meanwhile an oft-overlooked fruit, the persimmon, is gaining new favour, while great growing conditions have made for great veggie prices for shoppers.