Winter has arrived
But the outlook is not gloomy as the season suggests with some positive news across the sector.
The property market is running hot with sales up and prices strong, and banks have responded accordingly with plenty of credit available for farm purchases.
Sheep and beef farmers have at last been rewarded with strong prices for dry stock – store lambs reached record prices in late May and, as overseas demand for our meat remains high, these prices should hold for some time yet.
Dairy farmers haven’t been left out either although there are challenges in the sector. While they are enjoying a strong Fonterra pay out production costs continue to rise and staff shortages, combined with border hold ups for replacement utilities, continue to affect bottom lines. Some careful budgeting now will get them through until production figures are known in the spring and there is an expected easing of pressure at the border.
Brian