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Why is NZ short of vets?
‘…best guesses are that NZ is short by about 100 to 150 veterinarians. That doesn’t sound too bad but there’s only about 3000 registered vets, and not all of those will be practicing.’ Read more
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Are Alliance Group shares a good investment?
‘That doesn’t mean we see it as a good investment, rather one that secures processing space; and one that is not keystone to our business or capital investments.’ Read more
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The battle of the ‘isms
‘The term ‘conventional agriculture’ (or horticulture), appears to have become weaponised by the advocates for ‘alternative’ approaches.’ Read more
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Surviving the profitability squeeze
‘Self-analysis takes courage, and you may not always like the answers to your own questions.’ Read more
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Getting blood from a stone
After taking some time out on drugs, Kerry Dwyer contemplates what is important. Read more
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Predictions that bombed
‘The central thesis of this book is that the Americans of the late 1960s are all doomed. Get ready to eat your pets and fight your neighbours for a morsel of food. It will be standing room only… Read more
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Deciphering the Alliance capital raise
‘There is a $1 deduction and now it is a $4 deduction unless it’s not, then it is $3. And these deductions are per “livestock unit processed” which some press immediately interpreted as “per head”.’ Read more
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Looking back to see the way forward
‘Don’t wait for your accountant or banker to point out the challenges. It is your business and you need to be self-informed.’ Read more
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Dear Aunt Thistledown: What is the fourth estate?
‘The “estate” concept springs from the French feudal system and, honestly, the people who use the term “fourth estate” tend to look like they were born in the 1700s.’ Read more
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Scottish winter rains cats, dogs and £££
‘Lamb is currently trading at the record price of £8.20/kg (NZ$17.20/kg) and whilst it’s great if you have sheep to sell, the pessimists amongst us are questioning how long it will last.’ Read more
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The Good FAT & the Bad FAT
‘One of the suitability tests used to determine whether potential crew members would be successful in the offshore fishing boats was Good FAT and Bad FAT…’ Read more
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Blue stripe on an empty cow is insufficient
‘Pregnancy testing is a form of feedback. In our endeavours to provide quality objective data, a blue stripe on an empty cow, I feel, is insufficient.’ Read more
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Ferreting for a good podcast
‘The adventures of ferret boy, James Curry, had me and my nine-year-old son enthralled during the school pick-up run…’ Read more
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Handle the climate
‘…don’t get kicked in the arse with every dry period that comes along.’ Read more
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Terry Brosnahan: Quietly heroic (1961-2024)
‘Terry aimed his charge at all manner of agricultural obstacles and even if he didn’t always get to the top, the trip was interesting and informative.’ Read more
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Reflections from the ridge
‘There is proven science that exposure to the natural world is therapeutic and the farm environment that has absorbed your life is no different.’ Read more
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Stock trading margins: That’ll do pig
‘You need very good quality feed to get that growth rate at this time of year – and you also need well-bred lambs.’ Read more
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The best in 2023 science awards
‘Robots are cool and all, but there is something to be said for a shared reality. Sometimes you need a little reassurance that you and your scientists have your feet resting on the same planet.’ Read more
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Searching for effective leadership
What makes a good and enduring leader? Dr Jacqueline Rowarth has been looking at recent research. Read more