M.I.A.
OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.
Federated Farmers Manawatu/Rangitikei president Murray Holdaway is warning farmers to be ready for further disruption due to the pandemic.
He says there is a risk that many people - both on farms and in the supply chain - will be off work sick and that disruption and delays will be the order of the day.
Holdaway, who milks cows in Tararua, says farmers have to think differently and be prepared for the day when they cannot go down to their local farm supply store and get an item straight away. He believes farmers need to have a good plan for disposing of their cull cows.
"This could have some long term implications for the way we think about our businesses as well and a lot will depend on relationships. I have always tried to build relationships with people, not take the cheapest or best price on the day but build some trust and relationships, and I expect some in return. This situation could go on for months," he says.
Holdaway says there are other issues such as staff shortages and that will add to increased workloads and stress on farm and could affect health and safety.
"My plea to farmers is to think about these issues and to start planning, and do it today," he says.
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Award-winning boutique cheese company, Cranky Goat Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand has launched an AI-powered digital assistant to help farmers using the B+LNZ Knowledge Hub to create tailored answers and resources for their farming businesses.
A tiny organism from the arid mountains of mainland Greece is facilitating a new way of growing healthier animals on farms across New Zealand.
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