Perhaps farmers can take some heart from the fact that confidence is bottoming out across every sector of society – except for those who make PPE perhaps – so they’re certainly not alone.
The survey comes in a week that’s seen agriculture become the focus of the election campaign, with Labour, National and ACT all unveiling their plans for the sector.
Federated Farmers liked what it saw from the politicians, even giving a rare bouquet to Labour for its plan to help fund integrated farm plans.
That proposed lessening of the regulatory cost for farmers may not appeal as much as National’s plan to gut the regulations. But anything that gives them a bit more confidence will be welcome at this stage.
Bryan Gibson
Confidence down among sheep, beef farmers
Concerns over the Government policy and covid-19 has seen confidence fall among New Zealand farmers, according to the latest Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey.
Nats pledge better outcomes to sector
The National Party is promising to wind back water and climate change regulations should it form the next Government.
ACT unveils its agricultural policy
Low morale and the extent of mental health issues among farmers has surprised aspiring ACT New Zealand candidate and the party’s agriculture spokesperson Mark Cameron.
New capital structure needed
Fonterra's recovery is under way, but its new strategy is still in the formative stages and more details are required to bring confidence, Jarden’s head of research Arie Dekker says.
Fonterra splits are changing
Fonterra continued to report on its Ingredients and Foodservice and Consumer businesses for the 2020 financial year and will change to a new operating model for the 2021 reports.
