forestry killing off our farming industry

[C_T_Russell]

Lamb prices are abysmal at present and together with wool being pretty much regarded as a loss factor in sheep farming these days it's no wonder land owners are looking for better returns be it dairying or forestry. Typical though of the knee jerk strategies to economic factors both alternatives are exposed to market crashes in the coming years. Forestry is hitting the wall as regulations focused on slash disposal bites and dairying has precision fermentation looming on the horizon.

All in all we as a primary production based economy really need to start concentrating on value adding to our export streams, and throwing our Paris Agreement responsibilities out of the cot is another sure way of destroying our market access to many countries.

I think there needs to be a higher emphasis on sheep farming, wool is a great alternative to synthetic fibers and has many applications such as insulation in homes, etc.
Once oil production slows down, we will see more demand for wool.
But putting that aside, farmers shifting to self shedding breeds like nature intended is a good option.
We have recently had a country calendar episode on this.