58 | Regulatory demands reshape environment Cost pressures are being felt across the board from raw materials through to freight and energy. Karen Phelps New Zealand’s feed manufacturing sector is navigating a period of heightened pressure as global volatility, rising costs and evolving regulatory demands reshape the operating environment for producers, says Haden Shaw, New Zealand Feed Manufacturers Association (NZFMA) chairperson. “Maintaining consistent quality and supply of raw materials remains challenging in volatile markets,” he says. “Recent geopolitical events have impacted parts of the supply chain, which has forced manufacturers to rethink how they source ingredients.” He says feed producers have traditionally relied on stable global supply chains for key inputs but this disruption in recent years has exposed vulnerabilities. Shipping delays, fluctuating commodity prices and limited availability of certain ingredients have all contributed to rising production costs. “That’s meant industry members have had to think about alternative ingredients and substitutes that can reduce costs and supply chain risks,” says Haden. “The challenge is doing that without compromising on quality, because that remains non-negotiable.” Cost pressures are being felt across the board from raw materials through to freight and energy. For manufacturers, balancing these increases while still delivering value to farmers is an ongoing tension, particularly as on-farm margins also tighten. Alongside these pressures, regulatory expectations continue to evolve, placing greater emphasis on traceability, safety and environmental performance. Haden says that while these changes are widely supported in principle they do add complexity and compliance costs to the sector. “Quality assurance and accreditation are more important than ever in today’s environment,” he says. “Farmers and consumers alike want confidence in what is being produced and that’s RURAL SERVICES » New Zealand Feed Manufacturers Association - Haden Shaw where robust systems become critical.” The NZFMA’s FeedSafe accreditation programme, introduced in 2015, has become a cornerstone of that assurance. Designed to enhance quality control and reduce risk in feed manufacturing, it requires participating companies to undergo annual audits and meet strict standards across sourcing, production and storage. “Members of the programme are audited annually and anyone buying feed can verify whether it is sourced from an accredited supplier,” explains Haden. “It provides a high level of confidence right through the supply chain.” The scheme has gained strong industry support and is now mandatory for NZFMA members, helping to lift consistency and professionalism across the sector. Independent auditing adds further credibility, ensuring that standards are maintained and continually improved. Haden says the demand for supplementary feed is expected to grow as farmers seek to lift productivity and improve resilience in increasingly variable conditions. Climate pressures, land use changes and a greater focus on efficiency are all contributing to this shift. “The feed industry plays a vital role in New Zealand’s agricultural and food supply network,” says Haden. “Farmers are increasingly recognising the value of quality supplementary feed and the productivity and sustainability gains it can deliver. To meet rising demand, manufacturers will need to continue investing in production capacity while securing reliable sources of high-quality raw materials. Innovation in feed formulation and greater flexibility in ingredient use are also likely to become more important. Industry must keep adapting.” We also spoke to Ruminate brand ambassador Kate Grindrod, who shared her thoughts on the current state of the sector. The challenges now facing New Zealand’s feed manufacturing sector, www.kingelectrical.co.nz 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE MATAMATA Phone: 07 888 7578 WAIKATO MASTER PLUMBER OF THE YEAR 2021 62 Thames Street, Morrinsville 3300 Phone (07) 889 5227 • Email info@mpg-ltd.co.nz Website www.mpg-ltd.co.nz • Freephone 0800 USE MPG (0800 873 674) 07 888 9340 matamata@laserplumbing.co.nz www.matamata.laserplumbing.co.nz Plumbing, gasfitting, drainage & roofing maintenance Rural water supply, tanks & pumps – installation, repairs & servicing Bore pump supply, installation & maintenance Effluent & septic systems – installs, upgrades, repairs & cleaning coordination Drainage solutions – stormwater, field drains & soak pits New builds, sheds & farm building plumbing Wood burners & gas fires Laser Plumbing Matamata, Morrinsville & Putaruru. Servicing the broader Waikato area.
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