South Otago farmer balances family, farming and drought challenges
Balclutha farmer Renae Martin remembers the moment she fell in love with cows.
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Sir Lockwood Smith: Use academic freedom with great care
Academic freedom is a privilege and it's put at risk when people abuse it.
All eyes on NZ milk supply
All eyes are on milk production in New Zealand and its impact on global dairy prices in the coming months.
Environment Southland rejects claims of $4000 farmer invoices for winter grazing checks
Claims that some Southland farmers were invoiced up to $4000 for winter grazing compliance checks despite not breaching rules are being rejected by Environment Southland.
NZ farmers more optimistic as agricultural confidence rises
According to the most recent Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey, farmer confidence has inched higher, reaching its second highest reading in the last decade.
OSPRI introduces movement control area in Central Otago to protect livestock
From 1 October, new livestock movement restrictions will be introduced in parts of Central Otago dealing with infected possums spreading bovine TB to livestock.
National
Pāmu launches equity partnership at Mahiwi Farm
State farmer Pāmu (Landcorp) has announced a new equity partnership in an effort to support pathways to farm ownership for livestock farm operators.
Rural contractors call for overhaul of ag vehicle rules
Following a recent overweight incursion that saw a Mid-Canterbury contractor cop a $12,150 fine, the rural contracting industry is calling time on what they consider to be outdated and unworkable regulations regarding weight and dimensions that they say are impeding their businesses.
NZ seeks certainty on US tariff, says McClay
Trade Minister Todd McClay says his officials plan to meet their US counterparts every month from now on to better understand how the 15% tariff issue there will play out, and try and get some certainty there for our exporters about the future.
Trial shows benefits of spring nitrogen use
A landmark New Zealand trial has confirmed what many farmers have long suspected - that strategic spring nitrogen use not only boosts pasture growth but delivers measurable gains in lamb growth and ewe condition.
World
NZ–Canada dairy trade dispute resolved
The long running trade dispute between NZ and Canada appears to be over.
Europe’s largest dairy co-operative to launch in 2026 as Arla Foods and DMK merge
The creation of Europe's largest dairy co-operative should be complete by early 2026.Young Aussie farmers gain global insights on study tour to Ireland
Twenty four young farmers from South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania have returned from a recent study tour of Ireland…Lactalis in front to acquire Fonterra’s Australian dairy assets after ACCC clearance
The world's largest dairy company may be in pole position to acquire Fonterra's Australian assets.UK removes tariffs on US ethanol, alarming farmers
While Donald Trump seems to deliver a new tariff every few days, there seems to be an endless stream of…Opinion
'A man just can't sit around'
OPINION: There are stories, and then there are stories.
How farmers make spring count
OPINION: Spring is a critical season for farmers – a time when the right decisions can set the tone for…New freshwater farm plans 'practical and affordable'
OPINION: Entering Parliament back in 2023, I wanted to help put the fun back in farming. After six years of…Editorial: Changes to Paris deal
OPINION: Everyone wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.Don't spend without a plan
OPINION: After a few lean years, dairy, sheep and beef operations are enjoying fat returns on milk and red meat,…Agribusiness
Alliance announces capital raise roadshow
Alliance has announced a series of capital raise roadshow event, starting on 29 September in Tuatapere, Southland.
Secure your maize now, don't wait for the scramble
I recently had the pleasure of attending an AgFirst event in Hamilton where the results of the 2024-25 Waikato-Bay of…40,000 meals donated as NZFN marks fifth anniversary
The New Zealand Food Network's (NZFN) fifth birthday celebrations have been boosted by a whopping five tonne meat donation from…Scales declares strong first half performance
Scales Corporation has today reported its results for the first half of the 2025 financial year, revealing what it says…PGG Wrightson declares dividend as profits surge 248%
Agricultural support giant PGG Wrightson will pay a dividend this year on the back of an improved performance buoyed by…Management
National Pest Management Plan for TB seeks feedback
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
B+LNZ launches AI assistant for farmers
Beef + Lamb New Zealand has launched an AI-powered digital assistant to help farmers using the B+LNZ Knowledge Hub to create tailored answers and resources for their farming businesses.
Long shot research by forage breeder nails pasture success
A tiny organism from the arid mountains of mainland Greece is facilitating a new way of growing healthier animals on farms across New Zealand.
Manage fertiliser, feed use to lift production efficiency
DairyNZ has pulled together tactics that will help farmers improve on-farm efficiency and have positive benefits for the environment. These tactics are based on research, data, and lessons from leading farmers.
Use accredited effluent system designers
The design and construction of an effective dairy effluent system is a complex process.
Farm Health
Managing cow BCS for better breeding
This is the first in a series of articles from Beef + Lamb New Zealand's Informing New Zealand Beef programme. The seven-year INZB partnership, supported by Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the Ministry for Primary Industries' Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund, aims to boost the sector's profits by $460m.
Transition makes or breaks reproduction
By September, most herds are already calved and are heading towards mating. The window to influence pre-calving minerals has passed, and decisions made in the transition period are only just becoming obvious.
Why our future depends on taking biosecurity seriously
OPINION: When it comes to biosecurity, we often hear about the end of a response, but it’s the beginning that helps determine our success.
Choosing farming over the classroom pays off
It took a stint at university to remind Otago dairy farmer Megan Morrison that being stuck in a classroom was not for her.
Strong farmer uptake for Beef + Lamb NZ’s new nProve Beef genetics tool
Beef + Lamb New Zealand says it is seeing strong farmer interest in its newly launched nProve Beef genetics tool, with early feedback and usage insights confirming its value in helping farmers make better breeding decisions and drive genetic improvement in New Zealand's beef herd.
Machinery & Products
Tech might take time
Agritech Unleashed – a one-day event held recently at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton – focused on technology as an ‘enabler’ for the primary sector, bringing together innovators, investors, farmers and exporters.
John Deere acquires GUSS Automation
John Deere has announced the full acquisition of GUSS Automation, LLC, a globally recognised leader in supervised high-value crop autonomy, headquartered in Kingsburg, California.
Fencing excellence celebrated
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Lemken sub-soiler helps mix soil, lift structure
Complementing its existing range of tillage implements, German manufacturer Lemken has introduced the new Onyx subsoiler said to offer working depths of up to 60cm, available in two rigid versions offering three and four metre working widths, the MR/300 and MR/400.
Golden Fendt tractor shines at US Capitol
ACGO showcased a one-of-a-kind golden Fendt tractor at the US Capitol in early August, commemorating the Great American Farmers Market, a week-long celebration of food, family and farming.
Motoring
Kia Tasman ute launches in NZ
Stepping into the already crowded ute market, it’s important to bring your best game. Kia look to have done just…
Ford's new addition
Ford New Zealand has announced the addition of the Everest Tremor as a rugged and capable expansion of its hugely…Jimny goes 5-door
Fifty years ago, Suzuki was a pioneer in developing a small Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with fourwheel drive capability and…Big tick for a big truck
Electric cars and big American trucks can both bring a little anxiety, but for different reasons.RAM hits 20K!
In a market dominated by utes, Ram Trucks Australia has just put the finishing touches on its 20,000th right-hand drive…» Latest Print Issues Online
The Hound
A step too far
OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…
Save us from SAFE
OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.
Milking It
Buttery prize
OPINION: Westland Milk may have won the contract to supply butter to Costco NZ but Open Country Dairy is having…
Gene Bill rumours
OPINION: The Gene Technology Bill has divided the farming community with strong arguments on both the pros and cons of…
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Popular Reads
Two milk processing plants changing hands
Two large milk processing plants in New Zealand are changing hands.
Waikato dairy farmers enter 2025 regional council elections
Two Waikato dairy farmers and Federated Farmers leaders have thrown their hats in the ring for this year's Waikato Regional…
Farmer anger over Joy's social media post
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of…
