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Allan Barber

About

Now in his semi-retirement at Point Wells near Warkworth, Allan is a freelance agricultural journalist writing mainly about the meat industry which has remained his key area of interest since leaving AFFCO in 1997.

Member for

12 years 11 months

Latest articles

Alliance's Lorneville works, Invercargill
Alliance’s large loss raises the mountain it must climb
Allan Barber says other than a white knight emerging, Alliance will have to rely on the tolerance of its bankers, more focus on costs and working capital, and praying for a substantial improvement in market conditions
14th Dec 24, 9:20am
by Allan Barber
14
Allan Barber says other than a white knight emerging, Alliance will have to rely on the tolerance of its bankers, more focus on costs and working capital, and praying for a substantial improvement in market conditions
tough decisions ahead
Hard to see how meat processing consolidation would work
Allan Barber says the red meat processing problem will be tough to solve by combining businesses lacking basic profitability
2nd Dec 24, 3:10pm
by Allan Barber
7
Allan Barber says the red meat processing problem will be tough to solve by combining businesses lacking basic profitability
Alliance Smithfield works in Timaru
Capacity reduction inevitable – first domino falls
The persistent decline in sheep numbers from forestry conversions, drought and poor returns has driven the closure of Timaru's Smithfield works. Allan Barber looks at the capacity challenges the industry is facing
19th Oct 24, 9:30am
by Allan Barber
2
The persistent decline in sheep numbers from forestry conversions, drought and poor returns has driven the closure of Timaru's Smithfield works. Allan Barber looks at the capacity challenges the industry is facing
Funded by polluters, trees are marching on to food producing farms
ETS poses major threat to pastoral sector
Allan Barber says pastoral farming for food has a doubtful future when the government incentivises polluters to plant trees to avoid reducing their emissions. The impact of carbon farming has screwed the scrum already
7th Oct 24, 11:09am
by Allan Barber
8
Allan Barber says pastoral farming for food has a doubtful future when the government incentivises polluters to plant trees to avoid reducing their emissions. The impact of carbon farming has screwed the scrum already
cow and graphs
Methane reduction no longer a pipedream
Allan Barber finds a local company in the final stages of confirming a 75% reduction in methane emissions from cattle on pasture over 100 days - funded by NZ public money but targeting Australia for launch
24th Sep 24, 10:26am
by Allan Barber
7
Allan Barber finds a local company in the final stages of confirming a 75% reduction in methane emissions from cattle on pasture over 100 days - funded by NZ public money but targeting Australia for launch
The spread of pine trees onto livestock grazing land
Trend to more trees seemingly unstoppable
Allan Barber sees food production becoming a distant second in land-use priorities in what could have profound impacts on our economy and ability to pay our way in the world
14th Sep 24, 9:21am
by Allan Barber
36
Allan Barber sees food production becoming a distant second in land-use priorities in what could have profound impacts on our economy and ability to pay our way in the world
sheep farm
Farm Assurance Programme a great example of cooperation
Allan Barber notes the NZFAP and NZFAP+ have resulted in improvement in livestock quality with the ability to meet market specifications, an initiative built & driven from within the industry
15th Aug 24, 2:40pm
by Allan Barber
Allan Barber notes the NZFAP and NZFAP+ have resulted in improvement in livestock quality with the ability to meet market specifications, an initiative built & driven from within the industry
Meat schedules
Many factors determine meat schedules
Allan Barber details the complex factors that go into processor price offers for livestock. Maximising returns in low periods is enhanced by strong relationships with processors, he says
1st Aug 24, 10:24am
by Allan Barber
2
Allan Barber details the complex factors that go into processor price offers for livestock. Maximising returns in low periods is enhanced by strong relationships with processors, he says
Taste Pure Nature’s next phase needs social media skills
With the origin branding initiative, Taste Pure Nature, to be shifted back to the meat exporters, there are questions about whether the momentum will be sustained, or just in some markets
15th Jul 24, 11:21am
by Allan Barber
1
With the origin branding initiative, Taste Pure Nature, to be shifted back to the meat exporters, there are questions about whether the momentum will be sustained, or just in some markets
cattle in grass
Market green shoots hard to find
Allan Barber says that while new trade agreements are encouraging, the reality of red meat marketing isn't positive at present. But if you look hard enough there are positives if you have a longer perspective
10th Jul 24, 9:08am
by Allan Barber
5
Allan Barber says that while new trade agreements are encouraging, the reality of red meat marketing isn't positive at present. But if you look hard enough there are positives if you have a longer perspective
cows and sheep
Dairy industry not so different from meat industry
Allan Barber says over the years and through their ups and downs, the dairy and meat sectors aren't too different from each other
18th Jun 24, 10:27am
by Allan Barber
14
Allan Barber says over the years and through their ups and downs, the dairy and meat sectors aren't too different from each other
sheep muster
Huge gap between meat company profits
Allan Barber digs in to why meat company profits have varied so much. The industry is moving through a transition period where more focus is going on innovation in marketing and a shift to added-value food and healthcare products
3rd Jun 24, 11:53am
by Allan Barber
1
Allan Barber digs in to why meat company profits have varied so much. The industry is moving through a transition period where more focus is going on innovation in marketing and a shift to added-value food and healthcare products
Alliance Group cap
Alliance capital raise has worst possible timing
Allan Barber says the key ingredients of success for cooperatives are shareholder capital, profit retention, continuous investment in the right assets, and the ability to exert market control. Alliance Group struggles with some
21st May 24, 9:45am
by Allan Barber
6
Allan Barber says the key ingredients of success for cooperatives are shareholder capital, profit retention, continuous investment in the right assets, and the ability to exert market control. Alliance Group struggles with some
Good intentions
Road to hell paved with good intentions
Allan Barber says politicians should tread warily when introducing measures attempting to force change on the public too fast or without adequate explanation
10th May 24, 4:03pm
by Allan Barber
9
Allan Barber says politicians should tread warily when introducing measures attempting to force change on the public too fast or without adequate explanation
Tswo cows and many trees
Climate Change Commission lacking in common sense
Allan Barber notes the pressure is on from the Climate Change Commission to plant more trees, cut livestock numbers, and buy more carbon credits. But the rural sector is persisting with its own pressure to 'be more realistic' and more nuanced
23rd Apr 24, 11:09am
by Allan Barber
22
Allan Barber notes the pressure is on from the Climate Change Commission to plant more trees, cut livestock numbers, and buy more carbon credits. But the rural sector is persisting with its own pressure to 'be more realistic' and more nuanced
Visions or pipe dreams?
Allan Barber highlights the drivers for a sustainable meat industry have nothing to do with social aspirational 'values', but all to do with either accepting, or trying to change consumer perceptions the product is a commodity
16th Apr 24, 9:25am
by Allan Barber
6
Allan Barber highlights the drivers for a sustainable meat industry have nothing to do with social aspirational 'values', but all to do with either accepting, or trying to change consumer perceptions the product is a commodity
meat flavours
Meat retains popularity in the face of alternatives
Allan Barber reports on growing moves to broaden the focus of meat marketing, suggesting the challenge by alternatives seems to be fading
8th Apr 24, 10:44am
by Allan Barber
4
Allan Barber reports on growing moves to broaden the focus of meat marketing, suggesting the challenge by alternatives seems to be fading
Field days and workshops are key to ensuring improved on-farm productivity brings better profitability
Beef and Lamb’s essential work for farmers
B+LNZ's prior focus of battling Wellington, and launching Taste Pure Nature, is shifting to raising on-farm productivity & profitability in the face of coming lower returns from the surge in Aussie meat exports
26th Mar 24, 11:47am
by Allan Barber
B+LNZ's prior focus of battling Wellington, and launching Taste Pure Nature, is shifting to raising on-farm productivity & profitability in the face of coming lower returns from the surge in Aussie meat exports
China and US looking down on us
China and USA dictate red meat sector’s fortunes
Allan Barber explains why it will be tougher in 2024 for red meat exports with both our main customers being offered rising volumes from our trans-Tasman cousins
15th Mar 24, 10:41am
by Allan Barber
11
Allan Barber explains why it will be tougher in 2024 for red meat exports with both our main customers being offered rising volumes from our trans-Tasman cousins
Kaipara hills farmland
Flood recovery motivates change of farming systems
A year after the 2023 floods, Allan Barber returns to Kaipara Hills district to talk to farmers about how they are coping with the aftermath and how they are adapting their farming systems
29th Feb 24, 10:03am
by Allan Barber
9
A year after the 2023 floods, Allan Barber returns to Kaipara Hills district to talk to farmers about how they are coping with the aftermath and how they are adapting their farming systems
grain-fed beef
The dangers of presenting new scientific research as proven fact
Allan Barber finds that 'new' research needs to be assessed critically when it comes to climate claims. A grass-fed vs grain-fed study raises issues that apply widely
15th Feb 24, 11:32am
by Allan Barber
3
Allan Barber finds that 'new' research needs to be assessed critically when it comes to climate claims. A grass-fed vs grain-fed study raises issues that apply widely
grazing dairy cows
Not clear if Fonterra has been all good for dairy industry
[updated]
Allan Barber wonders if Fonterra's lock on large scale supply is inhibiting competitors who need volume to make the most of higher value product opportunities
30th Jan 24, 11:17am
by Allan Barber
8
Allan Barber wonders if Fonterra's lock on large scale supply is inhibiting competitors who need volume to make the most of higher value product opportunities
euro cracked
EU’s 30th birthday celebrations not entirely justified
Allan Barber assesses how the first 30 years of the European Union has worked out, a formation that has had an impact New Zealand's trade with Europe
19th Jan 24, 9:46am
by Allan Barber
3
Allan Barber assesses how the first 30 years of the European Union has worked out, a formation that has had an impact New Zealand's trade with Europe
Minister of Agriculture, Damien O'Connor, and shadow minister Todd McClay
Ministers past and present
The change of Government has brought a change in the ministers of trade and agriculture, but it is veterans replacing veterans. Allan Barber assesses past performance and likely future performance, but notes change is not likely to be major
19th Dec 23, 9:02am
by Allan Barber
2
The change of Government has brought a change in the ministers of trade and agriculture, but it is veterans replacing veterans. Allan Barber assesses past performance and likely future performance, but notes change is not likely to be major
Sheep flock at Mt Nick
Alliance optimistic despite horror result
Allan Barber reviews Alliance Group's poor trading result and tries to make sense of the company's optimism in light of some strong market headwinds, as well as their capital structure that is not bolstered by others
5th Dec 23, 4:05pm
by Allan Barber
Allan Barber reviews Alliance Group's poor trading result and tries to make sense of the company's optimism in light of some strong market headwinds, as well as their capital structure that is not bolstered by others
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