PGG Wrightson Revenue Tops $1.1b as Profit Jumps 46%
After delivering a strong financial year, rural trader PGG Wrightson says the coming months will depend on customer confidence and weather.
WAITAKI MP JACQUI Dean is pleased with the efforts of farmers around Otago in fencing waterways, as Fonterra announces that 20,000kms of waterways across the country now exclude stock.
"I'm really encouraged by these figures. Farmers acknowledge the importance of sustainable environmental practises and fencing waterways is a step in the right direction.
"As caretakers of the land, farmers know that they need to take good care of it.
"Whether it's more efficient irrigation systems, or improved effluent disposal, farmers are aware that water resources need to be better managed."
The Government is also investing heavily in research to tackle the environmental impacts of agriculture, focussing on cutting nutrient loss on-farm, improving effluent management and developing more efficient irrigation.
She says this includes over $100 million jointly invested in Primary Growth Partnership projects, along with research to lessen the environmental impacts of farming.
"It's an on-going battle, but one that we must put our best efforts into as we move to protect our environment, while promoting economic growth."
Kaikōura families affected by July's severe storm have found a practical solution to a problem that's kept some children away from regular schooling for weeks: a washed-out section of Inland Kaikōura Road, which has stopped the local school bus from running its usual route.
Rural New Zealand is welcoming the Government’s recent package of rural healthcare initiatives.
Interest in agritech and production animal systems has prompted Massey University's School of Agriculture and the Environment to new majors to its popular animal science degree.
Ballance Agrinutrients chief executive Kelvin Wickham says despite a tough year, he is pleased the business has returned to profit.
When Northland farmer Mark Cameron entered parliament six years ago, the Beehive was a lonely place.
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.