And, it’s now cautioning banks to monitor lending to the horticulture sector, which is growing by 15% a year.
As we know, farming has weathered covid-19 pretty well so far, but there are still risks in the medium and long-term.
Horticulture, of course, will continue to battle for workers despite this morning’s decision to let 2000 workers in early next year.
Debt allows growth, but it’s also a risk.
In these challenging times, it’s in everybody’s interests to work together to minimise that risk and ensure as many businesses as possible come out on the other side.
Bryan Gibson
Cautious forecast for farm gate returns
Declining demand from foodservice for high-value beef and lamb cuts may not have the impact on farm gate returns many have feared.
Focus on plant-based proteins
Work is under way to find viable plant-based proteins that grow well in New Zealand and provide the taste and nutrition consumers demand.
Dairy farm debt remains high
The Reserve Bank is continuing to keep a close eye on heavily indebted dairy farms as the proportion of loans tagged as “at risk of default” remains stubbornly high.
Tahr control plan sees 7500 culled
Nearly 7500 tahr were culled in four months as part of the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) animal control plan for the South Island’s Southern Alps.
Report reinforces red meat’s role in diet
Red meat’s place in the human diet as a healthy sustainable food has been underlined in a new report released by Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ).