UK Politician Alistair Carmichael Praises "Positive Spirit" of NZ Farmers
A leading British farming politician says he's impressed with the positive attitude of New Zealand farmers that he met during his recent trip here.
New Zealand's top fencers were out in force at National Fieldays this month, demonstrating their skills with the ever-reliable number 8 wire.
The NZ Fencing Competitions (NZFC), organisers of the Fieldays Fencing Competitions, say this year’s event was highly competitive and showcased the growing strength of the fencing community, with nine new entrants competing in the heats and the first female competitor since the 1980s – Tiffany Garrick.
Tony Bouskill came out on top in the prestigious Golden Pliers by Wiremark Championship final, with judges also awarding him best quality, for producing the highest standard of workmanship, precision, and finish under intense competition conditions.
The competition is judged on a combination of speed, quality, and the overall strength and durability of the finished fence, with the “first off the line” component highlighting how quickly a competitor can complete their work without compromising standards, all assessed by a team of 15 volunteer judges.
Bouskill also took out the Fieldays Silver Spades Doubles Championship with his father, Shane Bouskill. The pair, who also won the title last year, head to the Tornado Wire Fencing Competition at the NSA Sheep Event in the United Kingdom in July.
The Bill Schuler competition, established in memory of the late Bill Schuler to support newer and developing fencers, was won by Kupu Lloyd.
The Fieldays Silver Staples cadet competition went to Smedley Station’s Noah Glasgow and Mark Chambers.
NZFC was formed in 2013 as a committee committed to promoting and governing fencing competitions in New Zealand.
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.
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New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
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