It had been another tough year for many of the region’s farmers, Mr Evans said in his annual report in the Marlborough Express.
A cold, wet spring had produced insufficient growth in areas, in particular the high country, but other parts of Marlborough had seldom had a better run into summer. However, the good times had come to an “abrupt end” with a very dry autumn. The emissions trading scheme was a major issue for farmers and nothing less than “workplace bullying”. Meat and Fibre chairman William Grigg said the demand for both beef and lamb was up on last year in international markets. Mr Grigg said Australia and the United States were in a herd-rebuilding phase and a looming shortage of beef, domestic and imported, had seen prices soar in recent weeks. Lamb product prices had been reasonably stable and demand for lamb in Britain was up on the same time last year, but despite good market prices, the strong NZ dollar had eroded farmer return. Venison prices had taken a dive. They were currently $6.90 a kilogram for a 45kg to 85kg animal, down 26 per cent on the same time last year. He said prices for store stock had decreased as the year and dry conditions progressed.
Mr Grigg said crossbred wool prices had improved a little over the past year, but remained sluggish. Mid-micron prices were better, especially for 24 to 26 micron, which was up 25 per cent on this time last year. Merino prices had recovered, but not to a sustainable economic level. He hoped the coming season would see more activity from European countries, who were noticeably absent this season.
Dairy chairman Bruce Richmond said it had been a “rollercoaster” year for the dairy industry. The early pay forecast was “unacceptable” and early advances were well below break-even level at the start of the season, which caused widespread overdraft blowouts as farmers tried to deal with the most expensive part of the season with little income. The payout improved, but many farmers were still playing catch-up and dealing with huge increases in expenses, especially in electricity and fuel, said Mr Richmond. Marlborough Tbfree Committee: Marlborough Tbfree Committee chairman Chris Bowron said infection in the region was holding at two herds, both in the Upper Awatere.
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