Rural broadband increase welcomed – more needed
An announcement of increased rural broadband and mobile coverage has been welcomed by the sector organisations, but they say more is needed.
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Hemp/wool combo spinning a good yarn
Innovative new products using wool and hemp fibre will be developed under a new partnership between NZ Yarn and Hemp NZ.
Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme to be reviewed
Industry input is welcome as the government reviews the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) system this year.
Britain bound with Brexit on the brink
The executive director of the Dairy Companies Association of NZ (DCANZ), Kimberly Crewther, will fly to Europe in the next few days.
New irrigation head plans to win hearts, minds and ‘Soals’
The public are a lot more aware and educated about water and the environment, according to IrrigationNZ’s newly appointed chief executive Elizabeth Soal.
Taratahi problems seen in 2018
The problems at Taratahi were laid open, prior to its interim liquidation in December, in August last year.
National
Summer flush prompts lamb delay
The unusually wet summer so far means a flush of feed NZ-wide, says Alliance Group chairman Murray Taggart.
Harvest looking like hard work
Cropping farmers have had to put up with an unusually wet start to summer.
Another rebel wins election
Canterbury farmer John Nicholls last month became the second farmer-nominated candidate to win a seat on Fonterra’s board.
Could Wagyu beef counter heart disease?
As barbeque season gets into full swing, New Zealand researchers are investigating whether certain kinds of red meat could actually protect against heart disease.
World
Where to for the UK?
“On a knife-edge,” is how NZ’s former high commissioner to London, Sir Lockwood Smith, describes the British government’s EU exit…
Ireland assembles its agrifood units
With the UK’s Brexit scheduled for April 1, 2019, discussions in Ireland are centred on tariffs, with a general call…
Not even a wild Atlantic storm can stop the Irish
The Irish sure know how to throw a good party, as experienced last month at the National Ploughing Association event…
Mandatory code for Oz processors
Milk processors in Australia, including Fonterra, could soon be slapped with a mandatory code of practice.
Oz processor tipped to be broken up
A large Australian dairy processor may soon be broken up and sold.
Opinion
Changes coming for water regs
Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta outlines the Government’s moves to ensure safe drinking water and to reduce environmental damage from…
It’s time to look at soil health
Spare a thought for soil — arguably our most underappreciated natural resource.
Brexit: Comedy or tragedy?
OPINION: If you're thinking of holidaying in Britain and love theatre, skip the theatres of London’s West End and head…
How to feed those extra mouths around the world
New Zealand, a country of 4.7 million, produces enough food for 50 million people. But with 9 billion mouths to…
Time to let Tip Top go? — Editorial
OPINON: Fonterra doesn't have the capital to take Tip Top to its next phase, so selling it now may be…
Agribusiness
Extra production does not necessarily mean extra dollars
The extra and hidden costs of bringing in feed can often mean increased milk production, but not increased operating profit.
Owl Farm flying high
Owl Farm uses proven research and good practice and, importantly, encourages young people into the dairy industry.
Dairy Industry Awards entries thrill organisers
A total of 393 entries are in for the 2019 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.
OZ/NZ share many common problems
New Zealand and Australia share many problems in common in their dairy industries, says Professor Yani Garcia from Sydney University.
China remains the key to dairy prices
China remains the key to where the global marketplace is heading in dairy prices, says Westpac economist Anne Boniface.
Management
Ideas coming thick and fast at RMPP Action Network
Farmers are reported to have joined a Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP) Action Group at Rangiwahia to upskill the people in their businesses and boost their profitability.
Farming systems will need to change
Farmers will have to look at their fundamental farming systems if they are to meet future nitrogen leaching limits, claims DairyNZ science manager Dave McCall.
Time to retire
No one is more passionate about breeding better dairy cows than Ray Lawrence, Taranaki.
Breeding success with a Jersey herd
Otorohanga farmers Michael and Claire Newson have a passion for the quintessential New Zealand farm and family lifestyle.
Water – an important nutrient
Don't underestimate how much water your cows need.
Farm Health
NAIT online to be upgraded
NAIT says its online system is set to be enhanced by an interactive map to help users accurately define a NAIT location.
Farmers urged not to forget TB
Farmers, especially in the South Island, are being reminded that while Mycoplasma bovis has captured headlines, TB is a continuing problem in small pockets of the country.
Bull movements need close watch
If you're selling or leasing bulls this spring, understand the risks and know the animal’s history of movement and health.
NAIT for sheep?
Bringing sheep into the NAIT (National Animal Identification and Tracing) system may be a way of getting more value out of the animals, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor claims.
Get a feel for ewes’ body condition
Weaning is an ideal time to body condition score (BCS) ewes as it allows valuable summer feed to be partitioned into lighter ewes to give them a lift before tupping.
Machinery & Products
An ‘a-mazing’ set of records
A US family-owned farming operation has set not one, but two new Guinness World Records by harvesting 1111 tonnes of maize in eight hours and then 1620 tonnes in 12 hours.
Dual-up with ease!
Arguments about whether tracks or duals are the best option for getting power to the ground in farming will go on for ever, but duals are the staple on tractors in New Zealand.
One for Santa’s list
With Christmas just around the corner, farmers thoughts will be on finding a gift for the domestic manager, the ankle-biters – and maybe a little prezzie for themselves.
Earthquaker leaves its mark
Aitchison's Earthquaker subsoiler helps break soil pans and improves drainage.
Middle of the pack UTV
Kawasaki's recently introduced Pro-MX UTV sits between the larger, three-seater Mule Pro-FX and the compact Mule-SX.
Motoring
Car of the year an easy choice
Having driven the 2019 Subaru Forester at Queenstown and through the Bendigo Station at the media launch in August, your…
Hilux marks milestone with attitude injection
Toyota has restyled the 14 wide-bodied variants of its 21-model Hilux ute range, as the maker celebrates the iconic workhorse’s…
Ford’s revamped 4x4 mounts a number of challenges
The modern trend to fewer cubic centimetres and more gear ratios continues as car manufacturers chase better fuel economy and…
Tried and tested Triton
Performance, safety upgrades and a new look for the 2019 Mitsubishi Triton have the manufacturer suggesting it expects its sales…
Volkswagen Transporter Runner an impressive ride
Kiwis remain fixated on utes of every shape, size and price, but we wonder whether in the rural sector the…
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The Hound
Fire sales?
Your canine crusader hears that Fonterra’s current financial woes could see the dairy co-op dumping many of its key assets.
Boring
This old mutt has been a long-time critic of the multi-national, tax-dodging, political activist group Greenpeace for its sustained and…
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Popular Reads
Big tick for new Fonterra auditor
Former Fonterra director Greg Gent says the co-op has made the right decision to change its external auditor.
Extra production does not necessarily mean extra dollars
The extra and hidden costs of bringing in feed can often mean increased milk production, but not increased operating profit.
Ex-director suggests Fonterra suspends dividends
A former Fonterra director says the co-op could suspend dividends to shore up its balance sheet rather than sell key…
Rural Life
Ozone in the vineyard
The word ozone conjures up images of big holes in the atmosphere, stronger UV light, the risk of severe sunburn…
Drones versus birds
Drones may soon be joining the armoury of weapons used to scare birds away from ripening grapes after a trial…
Boss woman has earned her stripes
Nicky Hutchinson “never dreamed” of becoming ‘The Boss’.