Rising fuel prices are adding to costs for arable farmers. Photos: Getty ImagesArable farmers labouring under low grain returns and high fuel prices have ruled out a rescue bid for Wattie’s frozen pea and vegetable factory in Christchurch. Federated Farmers Arable chairman David Birkett said that was unlikely to be repeated, as it would make more sense for one of the remaining processors to fill the gap. Arable farmers did not have any spare cash to invest in a co-operative approach. The flow-on effect could come from sheep farmers re-pasturing less and needing less ryegrass seed from arable farmers.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 24, 2026 16:02 UTC