Election Year Curse?
OPINION: The coalition Government seems to have chickened out when it comes to live animal exports by sea.
OPINION: Australia's new Labor Government has recorded its first backdown, just two weeks into office.
After speaking out against livestock exports while in opposition, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has revealed Labor will not ban the live sheep trade in this term of government.
Weeks before the federal election, Labor confirmed its plan to end Australia's A$92 million live sheep trade.
Now Albanese is quoted by ABC Rural as saying that "no one was envisaging a phase-out in this term of government".
"We recognise that the farmers who might be listening to your program work hard and they need to be respected."
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.