As committed as ever

The green shoots of spring signal an opportunity to reflect on the year that’s been.

We started the year full of positivity and cautiously optimistic that the exceptional performance of the primary sector seen in 2020 would continue through 2021 – and it’s proven, yet again, to be resilient and buoyant.

Primary producers can be reassured that despite disruptions and inevitable market challenges, global consumers continue to actively seek out New Zealand products and are prepared to pay for our points of difference.

Kiwi farmers and growers are great at what they do, and the productive spring quarter provides yet another opportunity to keep leading the world with best-in-class farming practices and quality end products.

It takes a lot to dampen the spirit and determination of our primary producers.

While at times, many rural landowners feel like they’re on a hamster wheel constantly trying to keep up with compliance and environmental complexities, their ability to get the job done and keep their end of the food supply chain up is to be applauded.

In a year where we have seen farmers and producers mobilised over the handbrakes they face in the sector – even taking to city streets on tractors to make their position clear – I believe the importance of our primary producers has been duly noted by the nation and I hope, has gone some way to narrowing the so-called urban-rural divide.

It is OK and perfectly understandable to remain cautious of the industry challenges ahead as we enter spring – rural productivity and meeting ever-changing social expectations and environmental thresholds will continue to be a work in progress.

A spotlight has been shone on the ongoing hurdles the rural sector faces around having access to labour at the key times throughout the year – not helped by border closures and increasing wage and accommodation pressures.

And the challenges thrown down by the climate commission will further influence how we utilise the land and our natural resources.

But this provides an opportunity for the primary sector to continue to come together and drive conversations to better educate those who rely on what we produce.

From a property standpoint, strong global and domestic returns across most of the primary industries have seen demand for rural land showing no sign of slowing down with high levels of enquiry from parties wanting to secure their slice of productive New Zealand dirt.

In many instances, prices being attained in the rural market are setting new benchmarks.

Even in the face of the extraordinary twists and turns the past 18 months dished up, the focus of Bayleys’ rural team remains unchanged.

Delivering an optimal result is what we strive for every step of the way.

In the middle of the latest lockdown, Bayleys smashed a couple of records that got people talking. The sale of a farm in Morrinsville by Bayleys via an online auction in August, attracted the highest price-per-hectare sale ($120,000 per hectare) for a dairy supply farm in Morrinsville.

This is testament to the experience and capability of our team to bring the best buyer to the transaction table – regardless of the external circumstances.

Bayleys’ support of the rural sector goes far and beyond the sales environment, though.

We feel fortunate to have first-hand insight to some of the stellar environmental work being done on-farm through our involvement as a sponsor of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

And ever-mindful of the pressures and well-being of rural workers and landowners, our financial and practical support of Surfing for Farmers – which won the Teams Award at the 2021 Primary Industry Awards – is so rewarding.

Never underestimate the healing powers of the surf and the feel-good attributes of sea air. Thanks to this Bayleys-driven movement, farmers up and down the country are riding waves to keep their feet on the ground…

In this edition of Bayleys’ Country, we proudly bring you 131 exceptional properties and investment opportunities in the rural sector.

We also discuss New Zealand’s thriving agritech sector, delve into the emergence of sheep’s milk as a viable dairy option and take a look at black garlic production as a lifestyle income stream.

While spring does its thing bringing new growth and optimism, Bayleys remains committed to the rural sector and will continue to rise to the challenges ahead.

Once again, I am sure you’ll recognise the many exciting opportunities in the following pages and we look forward to hearing from you.

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