MPI investigation finds 'concerning' instances
The first phase of a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) investigation into allegations of mistreatment of sheep connected to shearing practices has been completed.
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Fruit fly controls to remain in place
According to Biosecurity New Zealand, legal controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the South Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe will remain in place until mid-February.
NZ genetic engine version 6 launched
The rollout of the New Zealand Genetic Evaluation Version 6 is said to mark a step-change in the depth and breadth of genetic information available to both stud and commercial sheep breeders.
Growing farmer interest in self-shedding sheep
With low wool prices, farmer interest in the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep continues to grow.
Editorial: Dairy visa woes set to ease
OPINION: Dairy farmers will be breathing easier thanks to the Government last month delivering a Christmas gift in the form of immigration reforms.
Harvest samples sought for crop nutrient project
Arable growers are being invited to supply samples of their harvested crops as part of a project which uses an alternative approach to determining how well they are managing their biggest input - fertiliser.
National
New insights into rural fire risk
New student research from the University of Canterbury in partnership with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) could improve knowledge surrounding the risk of wildfire.
UAE FTA signed
New Zealand’s free trade deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has now been signed.
Karen Williams named Irrigation NZ CEO
Former Federated Farmers national vice president Karen Williams has been appointed the new chief executive of Irrigation New Zealand.
NZ vigilant following German FMD outbreak
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that events over the last few weeks have highlighted the importance of a strong biosecurity system.
World
UK farmers take to the street
On the same day that the protesters against David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill marched on Parliament in Wellington, on the…
Sustainability dominates dairy summit
To Kiwi ears, an international conference that talks about a "just and fair transition" to sustainable dairy sounds like a…Bluetongue on the march
While unrecorded in New Zealand, Bluetongue, an acute viral disease in ruminants, is endemic in tropical and sub-tropical climates.Arla targets $25b in total revenue
European dairy co-operative Arla Foods is forecasting a total revenue of nearly $25 billion this year.Japan hungry for high value Fonterra dairy ingredients
Fonterra was part of a recent New Zealand business delegation to Japan, a market that is one of the co-operative's…Opinion
Govt happy to let farmers decide
OPINION: In the last few weeks of 2024 there was a lot of noise in the UK and Europe about…
Ag sector is here to stay
OPINION: In twelve months’ time, plus or minus, we’ll be in the same place, give or take, and thinking the…Editorial: Dairy visa woes set to ease
OPINION: Dairy farmers will be breathing easier thanks to the Government last month delivering a Christmas gift in the form…Fair legislation requires good process
OPINION: Just before Christmas, Government introduced a Gene Technology Bill that will have a big impact on farmers, our industry and…Let’s be MPI’s eyes and ears
OPINION: The recent detection of Avian Influenza (AI), a low pathogenicity strain H7N6, at a free-range poultry farm in Otago…Agribusiness
Nominations open for RWNZ board election
RWNZ has opened nominations for the position of a North Island board member.
New CEO for meat board
Nick Beeby has been appointed as the new chief executive of the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).Alliance appoints new independent director
Meat processor Alliance Group has appointed Chris Day to its board as an independent director.Harvest samples sought for crop nutrient project
Arable growers are being invited to supply samples of their harvested crops as part of a project which uses an…Alliance Group re-set delivering results
Alliance Group has turned a corner on a challenging two years following a comprehensive re-set over the past 18 months…Management
Celebrations at Muller Station
More than 260 people gathered at Muller Station in Marlborough recently to celebrate the 2024 Westpac + OsGro Marlborough Farmer of the Year winner.
Growing farmer interest in self-shedding sheep
With low wool prices, farmer interest in the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep continues to grow.
Irrigation scheme delivers on water quality, environment
The Amuri Basin Future Farming (ABFF) Project in North Canterbury is making considerable strides in improving irrigation efficiency, riparian management, and environmental innovation.
'Female warriors' to talk ag sector opportunities
The East Coast Farming Expo is playing host to a quad of ‘female warriors’ (wahine toa) who will give an in-depth insight into the opportunities and successes the primary industries offer women.
Calls for farmers to host an Open Day
Open Farms is calling on farmers to sign up to host an open day event on their farm this year.
Farm Health
NZ genetic engine version 6 launched
The rollout of the New Zealand Genetic Evaluation Version 6 is said to mark a step-change in the depth and breadth of genetic information available to both stud and commercial sheep breeders.
Unsung heroes under the soil
Much of the scientific work being carried out at the Massey University led regenerative agriculture project, Whenua Haumanu, is below the ground.
Animal owners urged to make a list, check it twice
The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) has launched a new summer checklist for animal owners this year.
Probiotic additive helps farmers achieve target lightweights
The company behind probiotic additive Calf Xtreme says around 450 dairy farms are successfully rearing calves with the help of the product.
NZ/UK forge agri tech link
A new agreement will strengthen New Zealand’s agri-tech sector by fostering a shared commitment to innovation with the United Kingdom.
Machinery & Products
Claas keeps investing despite tough times
Despite conditions in the farm machinery industry, which can only be described as difficult, the German-headquartered Claas Group has reported net sales of €5 billion for the 2024 financial, around €1.1 billion, or 19% lower than the corresponding period in 2023.
LDC looking to raise its game
While the LDV brand has been available in New Zealand for a number of years, it’s typically been recognised as a second tier offering. That has started to change after distribution passed to the Inchcape Group in 2023, who are on a trajectory to improve that public perspective, and in due course, push sales upwards.
Ceat buys Camso
Mostly associated with conventional tractor tyres, Indian tyre manufacturer Ceat is reported to have bought the Camso off-highway tyre and track business from Michelin for about US$225 million (NZ$400 million).
Quadtrac takes high horsepower award
Announced at the end of the year at the EIMA 2024 Event in Bologna, Italy, the Case IH Quadtrac 715 - the new flagship model in the Case IH tractor range - has won the Tractor of the Year 2025 High-Power Category for models of 300-plus horsepower.
Rein 'Deere' spreads Christmas cheer
The Brandt Hastings team, joined by Rudolph the Red-Nose Rein ‘Deere’, spread holiday cheer this week at the Hawke’s Bay Hospital children’s ward.
Motoring
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.Kiwi fave goes green
A firm favourite of rural families and those seeking to get off the beaten track, Subaru has announced the introduction…» Latest Print Issues Online
The Hound
Drunk on power!
OPINION: The end-of-year booze-up at the posh Northern Club in Auckland must have been a beauty, as the legal 'elite'…
Time has come?
OPINION: It divides opinion, but the House has passed the first reading of the Gene Technology Bill.
Milking It
Milking fish
OPINION: It could be cod on your cornflakes and sardines in your smoothie if food innovators in Indonesia have their…
Seaweed the hero?
OPINION: A new study, published recently in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, adds to some existing evidence about…
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Popular Reads
New UHT plant construction starts
Construction is underway at Fonterra’s new UHT cream plant at Edendale, Southland following a groundbreaking ceremony recently.
Lamb crop drop
There's been a dramatic and larger than expected drop in the number of lambs produced in New Zealand.
Kubota joins forces with Hurricanes
Japanese agricultural equipment maker Kubota will have its stamp on the home jersey for the Hurricanes.
