Pandemic plays with precision

While I don't think it goes as far as the assumption that seed gets thrown into the ground and sprouts, or the boy cows meet the girl cows and then there are baby cows, the level of intense decision-making involved can sometimes be remarkable.

So many farmers we've spoken to have their schedules set very specifically. To hit this weight, and serve this market on this date, you need a joining date here!

Of course, there are many possible disruptions.

From that long-forecast summer rain not eventuating, to the pandemic rearing its head again and causing major backlogs at the processors.

A few weeks makes a big difference - you can't just switch off weight gain in a lamb!

Nor can you keep fresh lettuce for much beyond its harvest dates.

The biggest issue causing the hold-ups is a reduced workforce.

It's a positive step that more Rapid Antigen Tests are getting out to communities and industry to provide key health and safety information.

Access to these critical resources has improved somewhat in recent weeks.

But we need to ensure enough of these tests are getting to where they're needed, and without prohibitive price-tags, before we will see these disruptions settle down and precision return.

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