Jersey 'right balance' field day
The future of sustainable, profitable and environmentally friendly dairying will be on full display at the upcoming 'The Right Balance' field day at NZ Young Farmers' Donald Farm in South Auckland.
New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Lynda Coppersmith says the stakes for 2022 are incredibly high, being the third contest season impacted by the global pandemic.
Entries for FMG Young Farmer of the Year were up 30% this year despite the uncertainty of Covid.
Coppersmith says this is credit to all the amazing volunteers, members, sponsors and staff who put this contest together.
"My gratitude for everyone's efforts extends beyond words and I am really proud to see how everyone has worked together to deliver another season, to pivot and adapt to new challenges, including the red light framework.
"The calibre of competitors at each regional final is the highest I have seen it and is an extraordinary showcase of the skills and knowledge needed to be involved in the primary industries in this day and age.
"Our competitors represent the full diversity of the primary industries - the array of opportunities available - and goes to show that New Zealand Young Farmers' members really are the best and brightest."
The recent East Coast Farming Expo, held over two days at Wairoa, offered an insight into the current state of agriculture on the east of the North Island, at a time when the locals are remembering the second anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle.
A Research programme supported by Beef+Lamb NZ is investigating the potential of ‘accelerometer’ sensors for early detection of conditions such as facial eczema (FE) in sheep.
In the past year, the Farmer Time for Schools programme which seeks to connect New Zealand school students with farmers, has experienced further growth.
Fresh Carriers Co. Ltd (FCC) and Zespri have completed the first ever kiwifruit charter powered by a low-emissions fuel.
New Zealand lingerie brand Rose & Thorne is expanding its virtual bra fitting service in an effort to provide rural women in with better access to specialised advice.
Southland farmer and director Tony Cleland has been named OSPRI New Zealand’s new chair.