Blueberries Could Be NZ's Next $150m Horticultural Export
Blueberries have the potential to become a major horticultural export, earning up to $150 million within the next three to five years.
The Smaller Milk and Supply Herds (SMASH) conferences will be held in three North Island venues next month.
The conference theme is ‘Sharing Solutions’; events will be held in Taranaki (June 21), Waikato (June 23) and Northland (June 26).
Three speakers - Zespri chief executive Lain Jager, vet Neil Chesterton and motivational speaker Kevin Biggar - have been roped in for the day-long event.
Jager will talk about how the kiwifruit industry tackled the big challenge of Psa, and how they rebuilt afterwards to create a solid footing going forward.
Chesterton is passionate about finding solutions to reduce lameness. He will talk about the lameness risk factors and show you how important cow flow and low stress handling are as keys to reducing foot injury.
Biggar will speak about overcoming your fear of challenges, confronting doubts head-on and creating the momentum to achieve success.
Each conference starts at 9am and finish with nibbles and drinks at 5pm. DairyNZ levy payers pay $70 for the event while non-levy payers will pay $120.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.