Precision N application test costs 'outweigh returns'
Precision application of nitrogen can improve yields, but the costs of testing currently outweigh improved returns, according to new research from Plant and Food Research, MPI and Ravensdown.
It's being recommended that consumers add an additional two servings of fruit a day to their diet during winter.
With winter chills hitting, getting at least two servings of fruit each day is a great way to improve your health and wellbeing.
That's according to 5+ A Day trustee and principal scientist, Dr Carolyn Lister. She says that in addition to the recommeded five servings of vegetables, winter fruit such as kiwifruit, lemons, Navel oranges and tamarillos provide important immunity support.
"Fresh is best when it comes to winter fruit. With the huge variety of fresh fruit available through the winter months, it's easy to grab a kiwifruit or a Navel orange for a healthy snack on the go, but why not try adding your favourites to a main meal?"
Lister says that buying the varieties that are in season now will not only provide consumers the biggest nutritional punch, but also the best value.
"The delicious fruit grown here in NZ are one of the best sources of the essential nutrients our bodies need. They're packed full of vitamins, anti-oxidants, fibre and water that support repair and recovery, immunity, energy levels, and mental wellbeing."
Lister adds that incorporating fresh fruit into your evening meal is a great way to make sure the whole whānau gets at least two servings of fruit every day for optimal health.
The 5+ A Day Charitable Trust website has a database with recipes and suggestions for in season fruit and vegetables at https://www.5aday.co.nz.
Craighead Diocesan, Darfield High School and Christchurch Boys' High School took out the three age groups at the Canterbury Clash of the Colleges, which was held at the recent Ashburton A&P Show.
The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) is expanding its collaboration with TextileGenesis to deliver full traceability for 100% of ZQ certified wool and ZQRX regenerative wool.
According to Federated Farmers, Environment Southland has mishandled the consent process for Waituna Lagoon, leaving the community with numerous bad outcomes.
Metallica's charitable foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), teamed up with Meet the Need this week for a food packing event held at the New Zealand Food Network warehouse in Auckland.
After two years, Alliance Group has returned to profit.
According to Zespri's November forecast for the 2025/26 season, returns are likely to be up for all fruit groups compared to the last forecast in August.

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