Subsoiling vs Drainage: Fixing Wet Paddocks This Spring
As we move further into spring, decisions are being made about working land for cropping, as daytime and ground temperatures increase.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
The 20-hectare property, previously owned by NZ Tractors, will be transformed into a state-of-the-art research and development facility, serving as the base for breeding and seed technology efforts, ultimately becoming a hub for innovation and collaboration.
The site will become the new home of Winseed, housing its research activities, featuring a breeding centre with state-of-the-art glasshouses, nurseries, grow houses, and trial plots to drive its R&D programme and high-grade seed production.
The facility will complement key work in other areas of the Carrfields group, including grain and seed screening trials for pastoral, arable, and vegetable seeds, producing specialist stock seed, precision machinery trials, plant nutrition and protection trials.
Key appointments have already been made to support the Centre, with the project team currently working on Phase 1, which includes building infrastructure and planning rotational planting over the next 12 months.
Carrfields Group managing director Craig Carr says the investment demonstrates the company's dedication to science, innovation and excellence in agriculture.
"Findings from this dedicated research facility will help us to continue to offer our customers modern and responsible farming solutions, ensuring they get the best out of their crops."
Carrfields is a 100% New Zealand family-owned and operated country that spans farming, property, and agribusiness companies. With a 49-year history, it exports to over 40 countries and has approximately 300 employees and contractors across NZ and India.
When dairy manager Miriam Lauridsen learned the farm, she was joining held weekly health and safety meetings, she initially thought that was “a bit over the top”. Experiencing that culture changed her mind.
Nominations are open for the 2027 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Award.
Keeping up with pasture moisture demands is likely to be the key challenge for dairy farmers during this season’s El Niño weather pattern, says Blue Skies Weather & Climate Services meteorologist Tony Trewinnard.
Farmers have until the end of this week to help shape DairyNZ’s future focus.
Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, has resigned and will leave the organisation on 15 January 2027.
The New Zealand dairy sector set a record in the 2025/26 season, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.