New Zealand’s Young Farmer of the Year, Hugh Jackson, believes new technology could help significantly boost cattle numbers on his Te Akau sheep and beef farm.
Jackson, speaking on Q+A, said new technology could transform grazing management on land like his Waikato property, which has been in his family’s hands since World War II.
He suggested the farm could potentially double its cattle capacity, saying they “should easily be able to sort of double the amount of cattle that we could run”.
The technology uses GPS collars to create virtual boundaries, allowing farmers to manage grazing without physical fencing.
Jackson said the sector faced balancing major issues ahead, particularly on climate. He also said that while US tariffs on New Zealand beef were concerning, strong demand was currently absorbing the impact, with prices remaining strong.
“We’re fortunate at the moment that it seems there’s such a strong demand that that tariff that has been placed on us is being absorbed, and we’re still seeing really strong prices — in fact, record prices.
“Hopefully, that demand continues to stick around for a bit, and we can get through this period. And who knows what the future holds, but farming is a long-term game, and it goes far longer than any political cycle.
“We all know who’s in charge over there. I don’t have his phone number. I can’t give him a call to see what’s happening, but hopefully we get some positive.”
For the full story and interview, watch the video above
Q+A with Jack Tame is made with the support of New Zealand On Air
