Editorial: Punching Above Our Weight
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
Fonterra chairman John Wilson says he is unhappy about Fonterra coming third in the payout stakes among other New Zealand processors.
Fonterra was beaten by Tatua and Westland Milk in the 2014-15 season.
Wilson told Fonterra's annual meeting yesterday that he was "a reasonably competitive person".
"And while there are some exceptional achievements within your co-op over the past year, the reality is we did come third in the co-op payout stakes, and on the odd occasion we did not do a good enough job of communicating a clear message to you," he says.
"I can assure you that I don't like this any more than you do. Your co-op is in good shape, with investments delivering increased value for your milk faster, and solutions being provided more than ever, to you and me as farmers.
"But we still have work to do before we achieve the high expectations we all have for our co-op."
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.
OPINION: The Irish dairy sector is facing a new dilemma - maintaining year-round fresh milk supplies.
OPINION: Could beef cows play an increasingly important role in improving profitability and resilience on hill country farms?