T&G Global returns to profitability
Fresh produce grower and exporter T&G Global has overturned last year’s dismal performance by reporting a half year net profit of $1.7 million.
» Featured
Urea plant faces forced closure over gas supply
One of New Zealand’s largest fertiliser plants could be forced to shut down for four months as uncertainty looms over gas supply.
Rural backlash over plan to cut police staffing
Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.
EPA proposes ban on weedkiller Chlorthal-Dimethyl
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is consulting on a proposal to ban weedkillers containing chlorthal-dimethyl (DCPA).
DairyNZ thanks farm staff
August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.
Editorial: Getting RMA settings right
OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.
National
Why is butter so expensive in New Zealand? Fonterra explains
Kiwis love their butter, and that's great because New Zealand produces some of the best butter in the world. But when the price of butter goes up, it's tough for some, particularly when many other grocery staples have also gone up and the heat goes on co-operative Fonterra, the country's main butter maker. Here the co-op explains why butter prices are so high right now.
DairyNZ chair defends butter prices amid global demand
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown has waded into the debate around soaring butter prices, pointing out that the demand for dairy overseas dictates the price to farmers and at the supermarket.
Govt to rethink farm health and safety rules with practical reforms
Farmers are welcoming new Government proposals to make farm health and safety rules more practical and grounded in real-world farming.
Massimo’s brings fresh mozzarella to NZ tables
Missing fresh mozzarella cheese made at home in Bari, southern Italy, Massimo Lubisco and his wife Marina decided to bring a taste of home to New Zealand.
World
NZ–Canada dairy trade dispute resolved
The long running trade dispute between NZ and Canada appears to be over.
Europe’s largest dairy co-operative to launch in 2026 as Arla Foods and DMK merge
The creation of Europe's largest dairy co-operative should be complete by early 2026.Young Aussie farmers gain global insights on study tour to Ireland
Twenty four young farmers from South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania have returned from a recent study tour of Ireland…Lactalis in front to acquire Fonterra’s Australian dairy assets after ACCC clearance
The world's largest dairy company may be in pole position to acquire Fonterra's Australian assets.UK removes tariffs on US ethanol, alarming farmers
While Donald Trump seems to deliver a new tariff every few days, there seems to be an endless stream of…Opinion
Methane campaign is 100% politics
OPINION: We are endlessly told that livestock are responsible for half of New Zealand's total emissions.
Editorial: Getting RMA settings right
OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA)…Helping our youth to be resilient
OPINION: The Rural Support Trust ran a dinner and debate at the National Fieldays last month. In tables of 10,…Editorial: A roller coaster ride coming?
OPINION: The Government's decision to stop local authorities going ahead with reviews of district and regional plans makes sense for…Striking the balance: practical policy for freshwater, farming
OPINION: As decisions around freshwater rules edge closer, the message from dairy farmers is clear.Agribusiness
Synchrony programme finds better heifer production
The team at Totally Vets, led by Dr Peter Aitken, have worked with Zoetis to test a new synchrony programme…
Alliance offloading 70% stake to Irish meat company - report
Irish meat processor Dawn Meats is set to acquire a 70% stake in Alliance Group, according to a report in…A$2B bid for Fonterra Oceania a positive signal
An A$2 billion bid for Fonterra's Oceania business would be great news, according to Forsyth Barr senior analyst, equities, Matt…NZ tractor sales rise 7.5% in first half of 2025, TAMA reports
With June ending and following the most upbeat National Fieldays for several years, tractor dealers are reporting a lift in…State farmer forecasts record results
The Government’s directive for state farmer Landcorp Farming (trading as Pamu) to lifts its performance is yielding results.Management
Farmers and catchment groups leading the next wave of freshwater restoration
From nitrogen limits to ecosystem restoration –farmers and catchment groups are leading a new wave of environmental care, says DairyNZ.
EPA approves biological controls for noxious weed
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved a rust fungus and a flower weevil to control Darwin’s barberry, a spiny invasive shrub.
Value of feedpads expands beyond reducing waste
Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with many farmers at events and one-on-one.
Te Herenga o Te Rā combines solar power and sheep grazing
One of New Zealand's latest and largest agrivoltaics farm Te Herenga o Te Rā is delivering clean renewable energy while preserving the land's agricultural value for sheep grazing under the modules.
Best practices for optimal pasture application
Good effluent management on a dairy farm combines a well-designed system with proper processes to ensure the right amount of effluent gets applied to pasture at the right time.
Farm Health
Probiotics deliver fertility and SCC wins for Milton dairy farmer
Milton dairy farmer Chris Wills says he began using probiotics in spring 2023 to address somatic cell count (SCC) grades when cows transitioned from their winter barn to lush spring pasture.
Right supplements help smooth calving
The calving season brings with it significant nutritional demands on the herd.
Protect Your Patch: Treat farm boundaries like borders, says B+LNZ vet
Treat your farm boundary like a border. This was one of the messages delivered to farmers at a recent Beef + Lamb New Zealand Protect Your Patch workshop in Lincoln.
How to make raw milk reliable for calves
Feeding infected milk is high risk for spreading diseases such as M. bovis.
Machinery & Products
Massey Ferguson launches new MF 5M Series tractors
Massey Ferguson has announced the introduction of the MF 5M Series, offered over six horsepower steps from 95 maximum hp, to a new 145hp model, with 14 unique variants depending on the cab and transmission type.
Claas unveils Cerex 700 RC baler ahead of Agritechnica
With the biennial Agritechnica Event just a few months away, manufacturers are offering sneak peaks at new innovations, with Claas recently highlighting its new Cerex 700 RC round baler.
RX Plastics launches new K-Trough series for livestock
Well-known for its K-Line irrigation pods, RX Plastics has taken inspiration from that design and carried over some key learnings into the K-Trough Series.
Kuhn unveils 14.5m mower for high HP harvesters
With most forage harvester manufacturers offering machines touching 1000hp, the logistics puzzle has always been ‘dropping” grass and pulling into a swath big enough to feed the “beast”.
John Deere launches F8 and F9 forage harvesters with over 1000hp
The arrival of new F8 and F9 designations for its 8000 and 9000 series forage harvesters, signals a swag of upgrades from John Deere, highlighted by topping the 1000hp mark for the first time.
Motoring
Ford's new addition
Ford New Zealand has announced the addition of the Everest Tremor as a rugged and capable expansion of its hugely…
Jimny goes 5-door
Fifty years ago, Suzuki was a pioneer in developing a small Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with fourwheel drive capability and…Big tick for a big truck
Electric cars and big American trucks can both bring a little anxiety, but for different reasons.RAM hits 20K!
In a market dominated by utes, Ram Trucks Australia has just put the finishing touches on its 20,000th right-hand drive…Fastest, most powerful Ram
RAM distributor Ateco has always made the point that they sell trucks that eat Utes for breakfast.» Latest Print Issues Online
The Hound
Trop de Paris!
OPINION: Your old mate's ear has been chewed off recently by farmers voicing their displeasure with the National Party, particularly…
NZ vs Aussie beef
OPINION: Your old mate hears that at a recent China Business Summit, PM Christopher Luxon delivered a none-too-subtle "could try…
Milking It
Fatberg
OPINION: Sydney has a $12 million milk disposal problem.
Synlait snag
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait's recovery seems to have hit another snag.
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Popular Reads
Alliance offloading 70% stake to Irish meat company - report
Irish meat processor Dawn Meats is set to acquire a 70% stake in Alliance Group, according to a report in…
Farmer concerns are grounded in reality, not 'no-hope narratives'
OPINION: The 'Save Our Sheep' campaign is built on a foundation of structure, integrity, and evidence from the Federated Farmers…
Urgent action needed to restore Waikato lakes' health
Waikato is home to a diverse range of lakes, and experts say they urgently need better management and restoration.
