European co-op claims lowest carbon footprint
One of Europe's largest dairy co-operatives, Arla Foods claims that it's farmers are among the most climate efficient dairy in the world.
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Oz reforms in tatters
The Australian dairy industry has dropped an ambitious plan to form a single 'whole-of-industry' body.
Aerial inspection proves farmers well prepared for winter grazing
Environment Southland says it's had good support from the farming community for its fly-over of farms in the region checking there is compliance for the upcoming winter grazing season.
Farmers weighing up drought options
Dairy farmers in the Hawke's Bay are once again being hit by drought with Matt Wade of Federated Farmers saying it's worse than last year.
No stranger to winning awards
A hat-trick, a trifecta, a three-peat, whatever you want to call it, Fonterra farmer John Wyatt has become the first person to ever accomplish it in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA).
Farm consultant bags award
Sam Vivian-Greer, a farm consultant at BakerAg in Wairarapa, has been named the winner of the 2021 New Zealand Zanda McDonald Award.
National
Mega farmer pinged for effluent breaches
Large farm operations and professional spreading companies should be setting examples of best practice, says Waikato Regional Council regional compliance manager Patrick Lynch.
Industry backs recycling scheme
An on-farm plastic recycling initiative, Plasback, seems to be gaining momentum as the agricultural industry moves to reduce its environmental impact.
Happy Valley dairy plant finally gets off the ground
Construction of Waikato's newest milk processing plant will finally start later this year.
Charter vessels saviour for Zespri
Zespri has switched to using mostly charter refrigerated container ships this year to get its kiwifruit to major markets, rather than relying on normal scheduled ships.
World
European co-op claims lowest carbon footprint
One of Europe's largest dairy co-operatives, Arla Foods claims that it's farmers are among the most climate efficient dairy in…
Oz reforms in tatters
The Australian dairy industry has dropped an ambitious plan to form a single 'whole-of-industry' body.Irish farmers confront similar conundrum
Irish farmers are facing similar concerns to their NZ counterparts about how they can reduce the agriculture sector's greenhouse gas…Automation helps get balance right
For small organic dairy farms like Campbell Village in South Africa, finding the right level of automation is key.Carbonzero organic butter hits US shelves
Fonterra has launched its ‘carbonzero’ certified NZMP organic butter to the North American market, the first such ingredient product in…Opinion
Lessons from Euro glyphosate review
Glyphosate use in Europe has resulted in reassessments, reviews and bans in some countries, causing a backlash by farmers. The…
Editorial: Looking out for one another
OPINION: There was pin drop silence when former National Party leader Todd Muller recently addresses over 400 farmers at the…Over-the-top, state control
Rural Advocacy Network chairman Jamie McFadden was a key speaker at the recent round of Groundswell NZ meetings. He spoke…Shape up or ship out!
OPINION: Damien! What were you thinking, banning the live export trade?Editorial: One voice?
OPINION: "Where the bloody hell are you?"Agribusiness
CEO fined for NAIT breach
The chief executive of a large Waikato farm business has copped a $3,600 fine for moving 820 unregistered animals to…
Milk price set to remain at elevated levels
Dairy commodity prices have shaken off the past year's uncertainty, entering 2021 with a strong price trajectory.Primary sector exports defy challenges
Primary sector exporters, take a bow.Arrivederci Nikki!
In a matter of days, kiwifruit growers organisation (NZKGI) chief executive Nikki Johnson will leave her role at NZKGI.Amazing travels in Ag sector
The 2021 Dairy Woman of the Year says her win is "pretty amazing".Management
Support and resources available for farmers impacted by dry
Farmers in regions facing dry or extremely dry conditions are being urged to tap into the resources available to them through their industry good organisations and MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries).
Capturing the benefits of catch crops
Winter forage grazing is used extensively in the South Island as a low-cost system to feed dairy cows and build body condition prior to calving in late winter.
Small Oz dairy goat industry has big potential
The Australian dairy goat industry is relatively small, but there is an increasing consumer demand for healthy and exotic dairy products.
Efficient water use on a drought-prone farm
In a region increasingly prone to drought, being able to reduce the amount of water being used in your dairy shed by 50% is a massive win.
Surplus maize? Don't panic!
From time to time, I get calls from anxious growers who, for whatever reason, have been unable to sell all their maize.
Farm Health
New rules for on-farm procedures
New animal welfare regulations come into effect on 9 May. These will affect many common procedures carried out on farms, such as tall docking and treatment of bearings.
Plan for hogget breeding
Bioeconomic modelling, published by Massey University PhD student Lydia Farrell in 2020 and more recent work by the team, has shown that adding hogget breeding to a North Island hill country property would increase cash operating surplus.
Service bull sale at Huntly
Autumn calving farmers from around New Zealand are expected to attend a service bull sale on the outskirts of Huntly in early May - some in person, but most online.
Good shelter key to production
Shelter is one of the first considerations when contemplating the purchase of a doe, according to the New Zealand Dairy Goat Breeders Association.
Treating worms in dairy goats
Worms are probably the biggest health problem for goat farmers.
Machinery & Products
Made in NZ... Hansen Products
Made in New Zealand looks at the wealth of design and manufacturing ability we have in this country, producing productive and cost-effective products for the agricultural sector. This week Mark Daniel takes a closer look at Hansen Products, catching up with managing director Steve Sharpe.
Rising material costs putting pressure on machinery pricing
The world economy is recovering, but a surge in raw material prices is pushing production costs to all-time highs.
New models mark seventh decade
Celebrating its 70th year – and having already released the fifth generation A Series in January – Valtra has just announced upgrades to its N and T series tractors.
Methane-powered tractor coming
The first production unit of the T6 Methane Power tractor, a cornerstone of New Holland's energy independent farm concept, was presented at the Agritechnica show in 2019.
Half a century and not out!
Suffolk, UK-based Richard Western Trailers has over 50 years' experience building high-end trailers, manure spreaders, chaser bins, drill fillers and vacuum tankers.
Motoring
Warlock offers a touch of magic
Having previously reviewed the RAM 1500 in 2020, we recently took the chance to get behind the wheel of the…
Stable recipe, safety brings D-Max up to date
While the New Year break is touted as a time to “recharge the batteries” the reality at a rural property…Outback now in its 25th year
Now in its 25th year, and sixth edition, the 2021 Subaru’s Outback wagon was recently launched in New Zealand.Strewth mate... it's a shocker!
Over the ditch in Australia, Toyota utes and trucks are the workhorses of the country’s economy.Land Rover range going electric
Jaguar Land Rover has announced a new global strategy that will see the Land Rover brand release six pure electric…» The RNG Weather Report
» Latest Print Issues Online
The Hound
Bad company
The Hound is among many in the agriculture sector, including many of our top scientists, who are somewhat cynical claims…
Quitters?
OPINION: This old mutt wonders what it is about tall, balding, ex-Fonterra executives and their (non) ability to handle life…
Milking It
Less-gassy bulls
There may soon be another tool available to cut your climate footprint - select less-gassy bulls out of a catalogue.
Rock and a hard place
OPINION: Appease the Chinese and protect your export trade, like dairy products, or infuriate them and face sanctions.
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Popular Reads
Van Leeuwen Group in receivership
One of New Zealand’s largest dairy farmers- the Van Leeuwen Group- has been placed into receivership.
Farm company CEO fined for failing to register 820 animals
The chief executive of a large Waikato farm business has been fined a total of $3,600 for four charges related…
Organic farmers launch own brand of A3 milk
A small group of North Island organic farmers has launched a new dairy brand, hopeful that one day it will…