NZ growers lead freshwater compliance
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says that commercial fruit and vegetable growers are getting ahead of freshwater farm plan regulations through its Growing Change project.
Miriana Stephens has been named the recipient of this year’s Horticulture New Zealand President’s Trophy.
The HortNZ President’s Trophy recognises people with a passion for working on behalf of the horticulture industry, as well as a commitment to developing as a business leader and successful grower.
HortNZ president Barry O’Neil says Stephens is shaping the future of the horticulture industry by example.
Stephens is a director of Wakatū Incorporation, which grows apples, kiwifruit and pears in its Motueka Orchards under the business, Kono.
She comes from a family of growers who are involved in land trusts that own and manage a collection of businesses.
She has also been involved in several governance groups and was a founding member of the Primary Sector Council. In 2016, she was awarded the Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Woman Business Leader award.
“To Miriana, business is not just commercial – it involves being a kaitiaki of the whenua and moana, as well as being commercially responsible,” says O’Neil.
Stephens says she loves the horticulture sector.
"However, it is tough out there at the moment. That is why we must work together as a sector to realise our potential.
"I look forward to the future and what we can achieve together, despite our challenges."
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
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