Puro Seeks Contract Growers as Medicinal Cannabis Demand Surges
New Zealand's largest medicinal cannabis operation is looking for contract growers to help meet surging international demand.
» Featured
Heinz Wattie’s Plant Closures Set to Hit Canterbury Vegetable Growers Hard
The proposed retrenchment of Heinz Wattied's manufacturing presenced in New Zealand will be a blow to the wallets of more than 200 Canterbury vegetable growers.
Top Performing Farms Thrive Despite 27% Increase in Operating Costs
The cost of running a New Zealand farm is now 27% higher than it was before Covid, putting sustained pressure on profitability acrfoss the sector, according to new ANZ research.
Rural Contractors Urged to Renegotiate Contracts as Fuel Prices Surge
Rural contractors are getting guidance on how to deal with recent rising fuel prices.
Ōpunake Farmer Fined $35,000 for Effluent Breaches and Intimidation of Council Officer
An Ōpunake farmer with a poor effluent system has been fined $35,000 with a discount on the penalty discarded after he charged at a Taranaki Regional Council officer inspecting the ‘systematic problems’ on his farm.
Fragile Transport Links Threaten NZ Fruit and Vegetable Supply Chains
The horticulture sector is under threat because of vulnerabilities of the country's transport infrastructure, according to a report commissioned by a collective representing a range of groups in the sector.
National
Rural Communities Receive Wellbeing Boost
The Government has announced its support for 18 community-based initiatives through its Rural Wellbeing Fund.
B+LNZ Chair Highlights Future Focus at Annual Meeting
The Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) annual meeting held in Timaru today saw directors' fees raised and the appointment of KPMG as an auditor for the levy body.
IrrigationNZ warns RMA reform may miss water needs
Irrigation NZ is warning that the government's Resource Management Act (RMA) reform risks falling short of its objectives unless water use for food production and water storage infrastructure are clearly recognised in the goals at the top of the new system.
Westpac NZ launches community banking van in Northland
A new Westpac NZ community banking van begins making visits around Northland this week.
World
Arla Foods delivers $15b revenue as Co-op turns 25
European dairy giant Arla Foods celebrated its 25th anniversary as a cross-border, farmer-owned co-operative with a solid half-year result.
Nestle reportedly withdraws from methane accord
The ACT Party says media reports that global dairy giant Nestle has withdrawn from the Dairy Methane Action Alliance shows…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…Opinion
Changing Drains Into Ecosystems
A drain is sometimes considered a negative word associated with depletion, exhaustion and loss of resources.
Middle East Tensions Risk Increasing Fertiliser and Diesel Costs for NZ Farmers
OPINION: The joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, and Iran's retaliation against several countries in the region, may further tighten farm…Editorial: Live Exports Dead in the Water
OPINION: Public opinion, political pragmatism and commercial and market reality have caused the Government to abandon introducing legislation into Parliament…Sorting Fact From Fiction Is An Art
OPINION: Information is everywhere. So are misinformation and disinformation.From farm to the cricket pitch
Hawke's Bay deer farmer Harry Gaddum organised the inaugural Gumboot Cup. It was a cricket tournament for 12 rural Hawke's…Agribusiness
Pork Prices Hold Steady as Food Costs Rise Across New Zealand
New data shows that pork remains one of the more affordable meat options for New Zealand households at a time…
Fonterra Begins CEO Search Following Miles Hurrell Resignation
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell has resigned after eight years in the role.Agricultural Aviation Demonstration Shows Precision of Modern Topdressing Technology
We are not a bunch of sky cowboys. That was one of the key messages from the chairperson of the…Finalists Revealed for 2026 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards
The finalists have been announced for the 2026 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards, with 24 finalists across eight categories.Pāmu Appoints Dave Nuku as Associate Director
State farmer Pāmu (Landcorp) has announced Dave Nuku is its new Associate Director, joining the board as an observer from 1…Management
Global First: Fertile Hybrid Grass Could Transform Future Pastures
Scientists from the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao has achieved a successful cocksfoot-ryegrass cross capable of producing fertile seed, a world-first.
Boosting Crop Production by Spreading Effluent
Tararua district farmer Jamie Harris milks around 400 cows using a split calving system on his farm, Crossdale Dairies.
Watermetrics highlights smarter water monitoring for farms
Water management is an integral component of sustainable farming practices, according to Watermetrics.
Jessica Kilday wins BrightSIDE dairy scholarship
The South Island Dairy Event's BrightSIDE has named Jessica Kilday as the recipient of the BrightSIDE Scholarship, recognising her commitment to furthering her education and future career in the New Zealand dairy industry.
SIDE returns with focus on dairy leadership
The South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) returns to Lincoln University next month.
Farm Health
Probiotics and Prebiotics Could Help Reduce Somatic Cell Counts in Late Lactation
Somatic cell counts on the rise in late lactation?
Body Condition Scoring Ewes Before Mating Can Boost Lambing Rates
Body condition scoring ewes at least six weeks out from mating can make a significant difference to conception rates and scanning percentages.
Check Worm Burdens in Your Ewe Flock Prior to Mating
Wormwise vet Mary Bowron gives timely advice about worm management prior to mating, particularly being on the look-out for the blood-sucking Barber's Pole worm.
DairyNZ Tests Heat Stress Solutions for Dairy Herds
New DairyNZ research will help farmers mitigate the impacts of heat stress on herds in high-risk regions of the country.
Rain Boosts Pasture Growth but Triggers Flystrike and Facial Eczema Risks
Recent rainfall has made for a fantastic growing season in many regions, but farmers are also reporting a proliferation in pests and diseases such as facial eczema, flystrike, porina and internal parasites.
Machinery & Products
AGCO Power Core80 Engine Wins Diesel Engine of the Year
AGCO Power, part of the AGCO corporation, has won Diesel Engine of the Year with its Core80 Engine.
How Bale Wrapping Transformed Forage Storage
Machinery and Products editor Mark Daniel takes a look at the history of bale wrapping.
Krone Group Earnings Drop Despite Stable Farm Machinery Sales
While turnover was back slightly at €2.3 billion in 2024/2025 (previous year €2.4 billion), the German Krone Group saw earnings fall from €107 million to €40.1 million.
Bobcat Diversifies with Launch of Safety Footwear Line
As the agricultural machinery market shows signs of recovery after a difficult two years, manufacturers are continually looking at new additions to maintain turnover.
FAR Urges Maize Growers to Check Crop Maturity Early for Optimal Silage Quality
With the forage maize harvest started in Northland and the Waikato, the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) is telling growers of later crops, or those further south, to start checking their maize crop maturity about three weeks prior to when they think they will start silage harvesting.
Motoring
Kia Tasman ute launches in NZ
Stepping into the already crowded ute market, it’s important to bring your best game. Kia look to have done just…
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…» Latest Print Issues Online
The Hound
Dirty Pool!
OPINION: President Trump's tariff wars have torpedoed the US grain belt's biggest market, China, sending many US family farms to…
Bias Blowback
OPINION: It's no surprise to this old mutt that some politicians are done playing nice with the low rent media…
Milking It
Happy Days
OPINION: The good news keeps getting better for NZ dairy farmers.
Begging Bowl
OPINION: With export of livestock by sea dead in the water, opponents of the Gene Technology Bill think they can…
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Hawke’s Bay Apple Grower Taylor Corporation Reports Standout 2026 Season Boosting Industry Optimism
Hawke's Bay apple grower Taylor Corporation says a standout 2026 season, coming after a few difficult years, is boosting optimism…
Share Farmers, Managers Honoured in Wairarapa
The winners of the 2026 Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Dairy Industry Awards were announced at the annual awards dinner held at Copthorne…
Global Dairy Prices Surge with GDT Index Up 18% in 2026
Global dairy prices are on a roll, recording a fourth consecutive jump on the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction this…
