Early Bird I Wednesday January 15th 2025

New Zealand currency drop lifts local commodity prices, students help FENZ map rural fire risks, and Northland progresses toward deer-free wilderness status.   Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather!   New Zealand currency drop lifts local commodity prices ASB's latest commodity price index shows gains in New Zealand dollar terms, despite falling US dollar values, as the kiwi continues its decline against the American currency. The New Zealand dollar has dropped more than three cents against the US dollar since early December, moving from 59 cents to around 55 cents. This currency movement has helped support local returns for primary producers. Red meat prices show contrasting fortunes, with beef prices remaining strong while lamb values continue their recovery from what has been described as one of the worst seasons for farm finances on record. Both meats are tracking above last year's levels, with lamb prices down 0.6 percent and beef up 0.2 percent since late December. In the dairy sector, prices have eased 2.5 percent since mid-December, though whole milk powder values remain well above long-term averages. Fonterra recently lifted its 2024/25 season forecast to a midpoint of $10.00 per kilogram of milk solids, while ASB maintains its $9.75 forecast. ASB notes the weaker New Zealand dollar could provide additional support for next season's milk price through Fonterra's currency hedging program.   Meat Board veteran steps into CEO role The New Zealand Meat Board has appointed Nick Beeby as its new chief executive, following his role as acting CEO since July last year.. Beeby brings significant industry experience to the position, having served as the board's general manager of quota and information since 2021. He recently stepped down from his role as general manager for market development at Beef + Lamb New Zealand and currently chairs New Zealand Farm Assurance Incorporated. New Zealand Meat Board chair Kate Acland says Beeby's extensive experience and understanding of global markets made him an ideal candidate for the role. The organization oversees $2.6 billion of red meat exports to quota markets, generating annual tariff savings of $934 million for the sector. Beeby emphasizes the critical importance of the quota system in securing tariff-free access to key markets including the European Union, United Kingdom, and United States. The board also manages $79 million in farmer reserves as a contingency fund for potential market disruptions. Looking ahead, Beeby highlights the board's ongoing role in supporting preferential market access and funding industry innovation through research initiatives.   Students help FENZ map rural fire risks University of Canterbury students have partnered with Fire and Emergency New Zealand to investigate how hedgerows and shelterbelts affect rural fire risks in Canterbury. Students George Hamilton and Renee Martin conducted detailed mapping of West Melton's hedgerows and shelterbelts, with Hamilton's research driven by personal experience after witnessing a neighbor's house burn down from a hedgerow fire that spread two kilometres. The research, supervised by Associate Professor Marwan Katurji from UC's School of Earth and Environment, combines geospatial data analysis with community engagement to assess fire risks. Martin reveals their findings show native plantings and strategic placement of shelterbelts away from buildings can significantly reduce fire hazards. The project forms part of FENZ's national wildfire threat analysis programme, with FENZ Wildfire Scientist Grant Pearce praising the students' fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. The research has produced a risk index to help identify high-risk areas and improve community response to fire threats. The study, conducted as part of the Bachelor of Science course Research for Resilient Environments and Communities, shows potential for national and international expansion, with Hamilton noting that additional resources could enable more precise vegetation mapping.   Northland progresses toward deer-free wilderness status Northland's ambitious plan to create mainland New Zealand's largest deer-free wilderness area has reached a milestone with sixty-one feral deer culled from Russell Forest. The two-year eradication project, launched last April, represents the first phase of a collaboration between the Northland Regional Council, Department of Conservation, and local hapū. Bay of Islands-Whangaroa constituency councillor Marty Robinson says the removal marks excellent progress in protecting the forest. The project employs extensive camera networks to track the animals, with staff planning to analyze footage alongside scat and tissue samples next month to refine targeting strategies. Northland MP Grant McCallum has highlighted the project's dual benefit in reducing kauri dieback disease spread, as hoofed animals can transfer the soil-dwelling spores. He adds that the timing is optimal for eradication, given the region's already scarce deer populations. Councillor Robinson says there has been strong public support for the initiative, particularly from hunters who understand deer's damaging impact on forests and potential to spread diseases like bovine tuberculosis. The culled deer have benefited local communities, with over 240kg of venison distributed, including sausages and patties for Te Kura O Waikare's Matariki celebration last year.   Heavy rain claims Wairoa A&P Show again Relentless rainfall has forced the cancellation of this week's Wairoa A&P Show, with the town receiving half a year's average rainfall in just five weeks. The cancellation marks the third time in four years the historic show has been called off, following Covid-19 restrictions in 2022 and Cyclone Gabrielle damage in 2023. Event manager Alice Wilson says the grounds are simply too wet to safely run the show, which has been part of northern Hawke's Bay since 1899. Some events will proceed despite the main show's cancellation. The Wairoa Shears will relocate to Kauhouroa between Frasertown and Marumaru, with a speed shear on Friday night and main competition Saturday. Equestrian events will run on Saturday only, though showjumping has been cancelled. Wairoa Mayor Craig Little, a past president of the Wairoa A&P Society, described the cancellation as devastating for the district, noting these events traditionally bring the whole community together. The society faces ongoing challenges, with their pavilion still out of action from Cyclone Gabrielle damage and part of the showgrounds being considered for a flood spillway. The decision adds to a series of setbacks for Wairoa, including the loss of its 140-year-old horse racing tradition. However, Wairoa Racing Club president Paul Toothill hopes to develop the Te Kupenga course into a district events centre.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.