Major shakeup for the NZ science system
The government has announced a major restructuring of the country's seven crown research institutes (CRIs), which will see them merged into three public research organisations (PROs).
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Putting theory into practice
Hamish and Rachel Hammond jumped at the chance to put their university learning into practice by taking up a contract milking offer right after graduation.
Workers a big part of the farming business
"We couldn't do this without our team. They are integral to everything." That's the first thing that Te Awamutu dairy farmers Jayson and Stacey Thompson have to say about their team.
Editorial: O Canada
OPINION: The Canadian government's love affair with its lifestyle dairy farmers has got it into trouble once again.
Tough year for UK farmers
Volatile input costs, fluctuating commodity prices, a reduction in direct payments and one of the wettest periods in decades that resulted in a disastrous harvest, have left their mark and many UK farming businesses worse off.
EU processors eye more cheese, powder exports
European milk processors are eyeing more cheese and milk powder exports into South America following a landmark trade agreement signed last month.
National
App for smarter decisions
A new app designed to simplify forage planning and boost farm productivity has been launched.
A career riding waves of many changes
Marise James describes her 38-year career as a rural and farmer advisor as one that has ridden the waves of many changes.
Banks urged to withdraw from alliance
Farmers are calling for Kiwi banks and their overseas parent companies need to follow the lead of America's six biggest banks and urgently withdraw from the Net Zero Banking Alliance.
Farmers faring well amid summer heat
Dairy farmers are faring well despite data showing above average temperatures for most of the country.
World
Tough year for UK farmers
Volatile input costs, fluctuating commodity prices, a reduction in direct payments and one of the wettest periods in decades that…
EU processors eye more cheese, powder exports
European milk processors are eyeing more cheese and milk powder exports into South America following a landmark trade agreement signed…EU dairy co-ops to merge
Two European dairy co-operatives are set to merge and create a €14 billion business.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…Opinion
UAE trade deal - a game changer
OPINION: In a landmark move that could reshape New Zealand’s agricultural export landscape, the recently signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement…
Editorial: O Canada
OPINION: The Canadian government's love affair with its lifestyle dairy farmers has got it into trouble once again.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…Agribusiness
Workers a big part of the farming business
"We couldn't do this without our team. They are integral to everything." That's the first thing that Te Awamutu dairy…
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…Management
Putting theory into practice
Hamish and Rachel Hammond jumped at the chance to put their university learning into practice by taking up a contract milking offer right after graduation.
Make summer mineral supplements a priority
Summer challenges dairy farming in unique ways. Heat stress, paired with changes in pasture quality can affect milk composition and overall productivity.
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.
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
'Bee wear' Simeon
OPINION: A keen pair of eyes wandering down the main street of the hub of the Horowhenua, Levin recently came…
ODH ordeal over
OPINION: The demise of Organic Dairy Hub is official.
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Popular Reads
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…
Dairy-beef offering potential for savings
Beef produced from cattle from New Zealand's dairy sector could provide reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 48,…
'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…
