Word of the day

Andiron – a metal stand, typically one of a pair, for supporting wood burning in a fireplace; either of a pair of metal supports for firewood used on a hearth and made of a horizontal bar mounted on short legs with usually a vertical shaft surmounting the front end; a bracket support, normally one of a pair, on which logs are laid for burning in an open fireplace so that air may circulate under the firewood, allowing better burning and less smoke;  a firedog.

Sowell says

What socialism, fascism and other ideologies of the left have in common is an assumption that some very wise people—like themselves—need to take decisions out of the hands of lesser people, like the rest of us, and impose those decisions by government fiat.

— Thomas Sowell Wisdom (@TheThomasSowell) March 26, 2024

Rural roundup

NZ trusts its farmers – but we can do better :

The urban-rural divide is a myth, according to newly released research projects led by the Our Land and Water Science Challenge.

The five projects also found the public consider farmers themselves to be the most trustworthy source of information about food and farming. Generally, urban and rural New Zealanders agree on what “good farming” looks like. 

Farming for Good is New Zealand’s most comprehensive study of the social licence to farm, drawing on findings from five research projects conducted during 2022–2023. 

“The Farming for Good research collection is about understanding where trust and connection is strong in our food & farming system, where it might be faltering and how to build it back,” said Peter Edwards, senior researcher at Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research and lead on the Connecting Food Producers and Consumers research project.  . . 

Synlait battles for survival – Keith Woodford :

Synlait’s announcements to the NZX on April 2 made it clear that it is battling for survival. Notes to the half-yearly accounts confirm that there are big doubts as to whether it will be able to continue as a going concern beyond the end of this year. 

Potentially, the final crash could occur even earlier, with the support of its bankers having been renewed only through to July and highly conditional on new outside funds becoming available. 

It all depends on whether Synlait can sell sufficient assets plus raise lots of new equity or quasi-equity elsewhere. It is now clear that Synlait, having made an after-tax half-yearly loss of $92.2 million, cannot hope to survive unless both can occur.  

Much of the big loss is due to asset impairments linked to underutilisation, particularly in the North Island. But the problems run a lot deeper than that. As Synlait CEO Grant Watson summed up succinctly in a subsequent audio hook-up for the financial community, the pickle (my term) that it finds itself in is having “too much debt and too much capacity”.  . . 

Another day in Southland paradise pic.twitter.com/1IduqocohA

— Anieka Templer (@AniekaNick) April 2, 2024

Branching out into planting pine alternatives for farm forestry – Shawn McAvinue :

The benefits of planting alternative tree species to pines are plentiful, New Zealand Farm Forestry Association president Neil Cullen says. He talks to Shawn McAvinue about his reasons for growing alternate tree species on his family sheep and beef farm in South Otago.

Farmers wanting to plant exotic production forestry on their marginal land have alternative options to pine trees, New Zealand Farm Forestry Association president Neil Cullen says.

About 90% of exotic forests in New Zealand were radiata pine trees and there was considerable risk of being reliant on one species, he said.

The appeal of pine trees was they grew more quickly than other species, could handle most of New Zealand conditions and were easy to market. . .

Central Otago events to focus on wellbeing, support – Sally Rae :

As a farmer’s daughter, wife and sister, Lana Van Lierop can relate to the stresses and challenges involved in farming.

Originally from The Key, near Te Anau, the Cromwell-based occupational therapist has provided mental health support and coaching for the past five years.

Passionate about seeing people thrive and teaching practical tools to manage stress and support wellbeing, she is looking forward to sharing her wisdom with the farming community at two separate events this month.

Mrs Van Lierop spent more than 20 years working as an occupational therapist. Throughout that time, she was working with people who had suffered the likes of strokes and brain injuries to try to make their life as best they could. . . 

New Zealand’s top Beef and Lamb chefs revealed :

Beef + Lamb New Zealand has unveiled the four talented chefs who will serve as their next Ambassador Chefs, taking up the term throughout 2024 and 2025. These chefs represent a diverse range of culinary styles and hail from various regions across New Zealand, each bringing their own unique flair to the table.

The 2024/2025 Beef + Lamb Ambassador Chefs are:

• Cameron Davies, The Fat Duck Te Anau
• Chetan Pangam, One80° Restaurant, Wellington
• Dean Thompson, Schnappa Rock, Tutukaka
• Mrinal Ghosal, Mudbrick Restaurant, Waiheke Island

For more than a quarter of a century, Beef + Lamb New Zealand has been recognising and highlighting the immense talent within the New Zealand culinary scene and are proud to see the accolade remains highly sought after in today’s hospitality industry. . . 

Twins …. pic.twitter.com/ipvN33HzM0

— Alison O’Neill ~ Shepherdess (@woolismybread) April 2, 2024

Who invented the flat white? Italian sugar farmers from regional Queensland likely played a big role – Garritt C. Van Dyk :

Australia’s coffee culture — a source of great national pride — is usually associated with the wave of Greek and Italian migrants who settled in Melbourne and Sydney following World War II. But it was very likely in regional Queensland that one of Australia’s favourite brews first took root.

This is the story of how Italian sugar growers in the Sunshine State are said to have inspired the “invention” of the flat white — a drink that would go on to become a global sensation.

Tracing this history shows a different side to how European tastes were imported to Australia beyond the capital cities. It also reminds us big trends can come from small towns, and that multicultural influence can be easily taken for granted in something as basic as your daily cup of coffee.

Popular conceptions of Italian migrants in Australia are often focused on the wave of migration to the capital cities in the 1950s, overlooking the many migrants who were already settled in regional areas. . . 

Left demonstrates disdain for business

Opposition parties are criticising the government for running the country like a business.

It’s not actually doing that but it is taking a more, and welcome, business-like approach to government.

In contrast to the six years under Labour, which was long on announcements and short on actions and achievements, the coalition government set itself a plan for its first hundred days and ticked off all 49 items on it.

It now has a plan for the next hundred days focused on three key areas:

1. Rebuilding the economy and easing the cost of living
2. Restoring law and order, and
3. Delivering better public services.

“Having a clear plan with specific actions and timeframes for delivery creates momentum and drives focus.” . . . 

It also enables the public to know whether or not it is delivering.

The left’s criticism of the business-like approach shows their disdain for, and lack of understanding of, business.

Good businesses have plans with goals and work hard to achieve them; they understand the importance of value for money and they know they will be judged on achievements not aspiration.

A government that takes a more business-like approach to governing will be much better for the country, and its people, than the previous big-talking, big spending, little-doing one.

You can read the action plan here.