Resource consent to convert productive farmland
If elected next term, Labour says it will require resource consent for any conversion of highly productive farmland into forestry.
» Featured
Primary sector confidence re-emerges — bank survey
While most of New Zealand’s economy has taken a hit in the wake of Covid-19, the country’s primary sector has had a resurgence of confidence.
Hort raring to go
Horticulture New Zealand says the findings of the survey confirm that the sector will help drive New Zealand’s post-Covid recovery.
Landowners to be contacted following aerial inspections
Seven landowners will be contacted following Environment Southland’s first aerial compliance inspection this year.
Bunnings banning Oz timber “pandering to extremist groups”
Bunnings’ decision to no longer sell timber from an Australian state-owned forestry agency that breached conservation laws is being criticised.
Give Rural NZ a share of $3b infrastructure spend — Feds
Federated Farmers has some advice for how the Government should divvy up the $3 billion infrastructure fund.
National
Parker dropped the EU FTA ball – Nats
Don’t blame the European Union for its “unacceptable” offer to NZ agriculture in current FTA negotiations, blame David Parker, says National's trade spokesman.
Farm Debt Mediation a useful backstop — Feds
Farmers are throwing their support behind the Farm Debt Mediation Scheme.
Scheme for financially distressed farmers
A debt mediation scheme to help farmers in financial distress deal with their lenders starts today.
Lapdog needs more teeth — Fonterra farmers
Fonterra shareholders have delivered a damning assessment of their elected Shareholders Council.
World
Bunnings banning Oz timber “pandering to extremist groups”
Bunnings’ decision to no longer sell timber from an Australian state-owned forestry agency that breached conservation laws is being criticised.
New swine flu has ‘pandemic potential’
Scientists are calling for urgent action following the discovery of a new strain of swine flu.UK farmers use trackers to recover stolen machinery
An increase in the use of trackers is enabling UK police to recover 100s of 1000s of pounds worth of…Pig of a situation in the US
US pig farmers could soon be culling on-site due to a COVID-19 induced backup at meatpacking plants.UK-NZ free trade talks on
Dairy processors say the launch of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between New Zealand and the UK is a positive…Opinion
A friend in need is a friend indeed!
Farmer's Chaplain, Colin Miller on the importance of friends in difficult times.
Farming key to NZ’s future
National’s agriculture spokesman, David Bennett on how the sector is key to New Zealand’s economic rebuild.Rural NZ at risk from carbon investors — Editorial
OPINION: NZ’s rural communities risk being decimated as carbon investors buy up farmland and ever-encroaching pine forests take over more…Time to rethink
Pioneer forage specialist, Ian Williams on how farmers can manage feed and animals as they move into winter.Farmers have your back NZ — Editorial
OPINION: Uncertainty and challenges loom but don’t worry New Zealand, farmers have your back.Agribusiness
Animal tracing improves
The latest NAIT data shows farmers are increasing their engagement with the system and becoming more compliant.
Manage herds without fences
A smartphone application claims to allow cows to be managed without fences and by the touch of a button.Farmers can now measure emissions
A software providing greenhouse gas emissions measurement and scenario planning programme for the whole farm has been released.Times will get better for deer sector
While the deer industry faces several challenges in the short term, there will be a strong rebound in New Zealand…Dairy can help economy rebound
The dairy industry must lift its game if it wants to play a role in revitalising New Zealand’s bruised economy,…Management
Cows need to produce their liveweight in milk solids
The job description for cows in Lyn and Deborah Baggott’s herd is simple – the cows need to produce their liveweight in milk solids.
Queries linger around water plan
DairyNZ says it is still working through the details of the Government’s Essential Freshwater package announced late last month.
Data-driven irrigation
A web-based technology is now available to help farmers better manage their water resources and improve decision-making around irrigation.
Taranaki welcomes revised water reforms
The Taranaki Regional Council is welcoming the Government’s revised stance on freshwater regulation.
Smelly pond a thing of the past
North Waikato farmers Michael and Rebecca Payne’s investment in a new effluent pond last year turned into a headache when neighbours complained about the smell.
Farm Health
Monthly dog dosing will close measles gap
Requiring that all dogs on sheep farms be treated every four weeks for sheep measles is a significant step in reducing the impact of the parasite, says Dan Lynch.
The global AMR battle
One of the greatest threats of our time, potentially on a scale larger than Covid-19, is antimicrobial resistance, or AMR.
Focus on cow condition pays off
A focus on cow condition helped Jessica Willis almost halve the not-in-calf rate on a dairy farm she managed for four years.
Pitfalls of dropping feed, not herd size
Greg Jarratt, vet and director of Matamata Veterinary Services, on why farmers shouldn't reduce feed without also destocking.
Tag animals before they get on trucks
From next week it will become an offence to transport untagged animals.
Machinery & Products
JD expands its header range
John Deere is expanding its range of headers with the introduction of the new X-Series.
CF Moto committed to Oz quad market
While big players Honda, Yamaha and Polaris are getting ready to pull the pin on the Australian quad bike market, CF Moto says it is in the market for the long haul.
Mats for tough utes
Wildcat's new floor mats are designed to better fit New Zealand utes.
Local heavy metal expo hits the right note
On what should have been the second and third days of the cancelled National Fieldays, a group of Morrinsville businesses used June 11-12 to launch and run their own event.
Spreading muck without much fuss
Pichon's TCI range (Tanker with Chassis Integrated) has been the trademark of the brand for more than forty-five years.
Motoring
Tiny Jimny hits the right note
Strong demand for the instantly recognised Suzuki Jimny in New Zealand has continued to accelerate with the 1000th retail order…
‘Czech’ out Skoda’s latest SUV
Skoda has released the newest member of its SUV family – the Skoda Kamiq – to enter the rapidly growing…Electric ute a breath of fresh air
Based on the Toyota Landcruiser 70, the all-electirc ZED 70 is engineered for harsh climates.Roomy RAM offers V8 power
Having arrived in New Zealand in 2019, the journey for the RAM 1500 continues in 2020 with the introduction of…The last of the Sports Cats
The launch of the Series 2 HSV SportsCat was an endorsement of the risky decision to take the performance brand…» The RNG Weather Report
» Latest Print Issues Online
The Hound
Fat chance
OPINION: This old mutt has always believed that any hopes of a possible free trade deal – that is any…
Health & safety?
OPINION: WorkSafe and workplace safety legislation dominate the daily operations of the private sector, including farms.
» Connect with Rural News
» eNewsletter
Popular Reads
Honda to quit ATVs in Aus
Honda Australia has signalled it will stop selling quads/ATVs in that country as the discussion about the effectiveness of Crush…
Global dairy prices settling down
Global dairy prices are settling down after a rollercoaster ride triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regenerative ag’s ‘mythology’ questioned
The “mythology” of regenerative agriculture and lack of scientific evidence has prompted two renowned plant scientists to write to Ag…