Queues for meat plant space grow :
Meat companies Silver Fern Farms and Alliance report a dramatic lift in livestock numbers waiting to be processed as their plants are down to half capacity under covid-19 rules.
In a note to its suppliers Silver Fern Farms said queue times at its 14 plants have extended exponentially as suppliers book early to avoid congestion and because of colder weather and diminished feed.
Suppliers might be waiting three to six weeks for space, depending on stock class and region.
An Alliance update to its co-operative members estimates several weeks’ backlog, with processing down to about 30% for beef. . .
Famously scenic Arcadia Station sold –
A Queenstown farmer has bought a scenic rural property near Glenorchy, famous as a setting for TV commercials and films like The Lord of the Rings, for an undisclosed price.
The 257ha Arcadia Station, bordered by Diamond Lake, Mount Aspiring National Park and Dart River and the Paradise property, has been farmed for 60 years by Jim Veint (83), who in turn bought it off his father, Lloyd.
Mr Veint will continue assisting with the farming operation and help recruit and train a new farm manager. . .
Beware of false prophets – The Veteran:
There have been calls for ‘value added’ to be the driver for our export industry as long as I can remember. Much of that directed at the timber industry. All well in theory. Reality trumps (bad word) theory most times.
So let’s look at timber. Some would argue the export of raw timber (logs) should be discouraged/banned in favor of the processed product. That this would lead to an increased number of jobs in the industry particularly now with the economy predicted to contract. . .
Support set up for farmers facing feed shortages :
Farming groups have set up advice and support for farmers facing shortages of stock feed as they head into winter.
The Ministry for Primary Industries worked with the groups on the initiative which includes a feed budgeting service and farm systems advice.
Federated Farmers said drought, the cancellation of traditional stock sale forums and reduced processing capacity at meat works meant many farmers were carrying more stock than they anticipated going into winter.
This was putting a huge strain on already stretched feed resources and farmer morale. . .
No spilt milk during lockdown – Molly Houseman:
Last Friday looked “bleak” for Holy Cow.
The family dairy farm in Reynoldstown, near Port Chalmers in Dunedin, lost about 70% of its customers as restaurants and cafes closed for the Covid-19 Level 4 lockdown, and no longer needed their usual milk orders.
Owner Merrall MacNeille was left wondering: “What am I going to do with all this milk?”
However, business quickly took an unexpected turn. . .
Rural Ambassador program brought a storm of opportunities – James Cleaver:
Is there anything better than hearing rain on the roof?
Or the smell that rolls in 10 minutes before a thunderstorm?
We all love rain for obvious reasons and let’s hope this small break gets bigger in the next few months.
Rain equals opportunity and options. It’s the tangent to allow things to grow to their full potential. . .
Posted by homepaddock 
Homepaddock 