Nats launch primary sector policies
A newly elected National government would offer special work visas for primary sector workers, instantly deport visitors breeching biosecurity laws and set up mobile health clinics for remote rural regions.
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Dairy farmers dig in for the environment
Dairy farmers Mark and Jennifer McDonald began beautifying their 138ha Methven dairy farm a decade ago.
Irish connection at Fieldays
Ireland's Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, led a contingent of Irish businesses to the Fieldays last week.
Budget funding unveiled
Agricultural Minister Damien O’Connor claims at least 2000 farmers will be helped with on-the-ground support to lift their environmental sustainability as part of Budget 2019 funding.
PM concedes agri sector uncertainty
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern acknowledges uncertainty about climate change is making life difficult for farmers.
Massey’s new generation beef wows the crowds
A new, tasty meat product could solve a problem for dairy farmers and yield them extra cash.
National
Sheep, goat dairy farmers must aim to export
Waikato Milking Systems product and project manager Andy Geissmann believes there’s plenty of scope for Kiwis working in the emerging sheep and goat dairy sectors to export.
Pokeno land dispute reaches Supreme Court
Canterbury milk processor Synlait says it has filed an application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court in relation to the removal of land covenants on its Pokeno land.
100% Jersey milk and what else?
Ice cream and chocolate milk made from 100% Jersey milk are on the cards for the boutique dairy company Lewis Road Creamery (LRC).
Danone lifts stake in Pokeno plant
Danone has been cleared by the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) to take an indirect shareholding of up to 65% in Yashili New Zealand.
World
US farmers don’t want a repeat run
With the US dairy industry now it in its fifth year of low prices and third year of trade wounds, president and CEO…
No luck for Irish contractors
Ireland, often a source of skilled farm machinery operators for rural contractors in New Zealand, is facing even worse driver shortages…
US milk powder giant rejoins GDT
The largest milk powder producer in the US, DairyAmerica is coming back to Global Dairy Trade (GDT), re-launching skim milk powder…
NZ organic milk in new Oz formula
New Zealand milk will be used for a new certified organic grass-fed infant formula offering by Bubs Australia Ltd.
Fines for farm invaders
Animal rights activists entering Queensland farms without permission now face being fined.
Opinion
Reversing the trend of degradation
Environment Minister David Parker recently told a Forest & Bird meeting about the Productive and Sustainable Land Use package unveiled…
DIRA moving in the right direction — Editorial
Fonterra farmers won’t be overly happy with changes announced last week to legislation governing the dairy industry.
Data will unlock the next era of farming
Xero’s head of agribusiness and practice strategy, Cam Anderson explains how technology can unlock the full productive potential of our farms.
NZ customers admire our values
OPINION: The international trading system is facing one of its biggest challenges in recent times.
Methane goals way off target
OPINION: Federated Farmers is right on board with the purpose and framework of the Zero Carbon Bill, but not a…
Agribusiness
Farming the Chathams: the tyranny of distance
Like a small scale model of the challenges New Zealand agriculture faces being so far from its main markets, farmers…
Booming sheep milking a top prospect
Good growth in the sheep milking industry during the 2018-19 financial year signals this is a good time for farmers to get…
Council's environmental management rules out of reach
The Waimakariri zone committee’s draft zone implementation programme addendum (ZIPA) is unachievable for many farmers in its current form, says…
New council rules tough on farmers
New environmental management rules for the Canterbury Regional Council’s Waimakariri Zone will be tough for farmers, says the chairman of…
AGCO to showcase tractor technology at Fieldays
Industry leading technology will be plentiful on the AGCO site at Fieldays, says New Zealand manager Peter Scott.
Management
Dairy farmers dig in for the environment
Dairy farmers Mark and Jennifer McDonald began beautifying their 138ha Methven dairy farm a decade ago.
Feeding the fart tax debate
Farmers are working hard to help the environment, but the ‘quoted experts’ need to work hard too, explains Greg Jarratt, vet and director of Matamata Veterinary Services.
Waikato farmers scoop sustainability awards
Waikato farmers Adrian and Pauline Ball are the new National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming and Growing, plus the recipients of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy.
Tips for saving fuel
Fuel costs are a hot topic everywhere, added to the rising costs of compliance and licensing. Here are some tips on how to reduce fuel consumption and lower costs for rural businesses.
Community a priority for environmental winners
Staying in touch with their community is a priority for the 2019 Canterbury regional Ballance Farm Environmental Award winners, Duncan and Tina Mackintosh.
Farm Health
Aim for better control of mastitis at drying off
Mastitis control must be front of mind for farmers preparing to dry off cows for winter.
Coping better with ups and downs on farm
The importance of seeing regularly to your wellbeing will be the focus of Farmstrong’s site at Fieldays.
Organic product to tackle selenium deficiency in soils
A new generation of organic selenium supplementation will be introduced into New Zealand this year, helping to solve NZ soil's issue of low selenium.
Strong cow sale for Angus stud
Meadowslea Stud Angus, at Fairlie, says its third annual production cow sale saw solid demand from stud and commercial buyers at its onfarm sale on May 1.
Udderly important research provides answers
While udders are vital for lamb survival, surprisingly little research has been done on udder health.
Machinery & Products
Compact driving lamp
A compact driving lamp for SUV, 4WD or truck — the Narva Ultima 180 LED model — is new in New Zealand.
More grunt, more fuel efficient
Shane and Kylie McDonald were searching for a reliable, straightforward tractor for their specialist farm at Bell Block, New Plymouth. They looked at several brands and models then test drove a Valtra and loved it, they say.
Keep it low or keep it slow, advises insurer
FMG insurance cover on 30,000 tractors in New Zealand positions it uniquely to understand its customers daily problems.
Four tractors in the 90-125hp series
John Deere will use Fieldays to show the latest 5R series tractors — four units in the all-important 90-125hp sector.
Don’t even get off your bike
New for Fieldays 2019 is the Taracarry Plus, a nifty pigtail and reel carrier for quads.
Motoring
You can’t get better bang out of your buck
Always very capable, the Mitsubishi Triton has had a loyal following in New Zealand, even with its slightly off target…
Big show for Toyota at Fieldays
Toyota's massive site in the automotive precinct at Fieldays will showcase its extensive range of SUVs.
Concept ROX for Fieldays
Holden New Zealand has revealed its own home-grown concept to go on display at Fieldays – the Colorado ROX.
Forester ferries Feds
Federated Farmers will front for Subaru at Fieldays, a spin-off from the partnership the vehicle maker formed with Feds in 2018.
2019 RAV4 tops 25-year legacy
Toyota's recently launched, fifth generation RAV4 is said to build on its 25-year legacy with its charismatic design, improved performance,…
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The Hound
Death by trees
OPINION: Your canine crusader finds it ironic that the pompously self-proclaimed ‘champion’ of the provinces and ‘first citizen’ of regional…
All sizzle
OPINION: Remember when Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor, about a year ago, launched his new baby the Primary Sector Council (PSC)…
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Wool man launches anti-synthetics petition
Every time you wash synthetic clothes, micro fibres of plastic are washed into the waterways, says Devold Wool Direct general…
Synlait still confident on plant
Synlait chief executive Leon Clement still hopes to open the company’s new Pokeno milk powder plant on time.
Fonterra’s asset sales backed
Farmers are backing Fonterra’s review of assets and overseas joint ventures as it grapples with strengthening its balance sheet.
Rural Life
New machinery for the vineyard
Mark Daniel on what's new in machinery for the vineyard.
New Holland launches Braud 9000 series grape harvesters
New Holland Agriculture has introduced the new Braud 9000 series to its portfolio of self-propelled grape harvesters, with the 9090L…
Collaboration increases capability
Initially designed to assist fertiliser spreading trucks operating on steep New Zealand hill country, TracMap’s GPS guidance and job management…