Primary sector on alert as red rain warnings issued across multiple regions
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
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SH2 Waioweka Gorge closure to add major costs and delays for Upper North Island freight
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
Editorial: Happy days
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ray Smith: Dairy still has growth potential despite flat export outlook
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.
Nathan Guy to represent New Zealand’s agricultural exports as special envoy
New Zealand's new Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Horowhenua dairy farmer, company director and former Minister of Agriculture, Nathan Guy says the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India is a good deal for the country.
Dairy farmers retain and upskill international workers as visa data shows positive shift – Federated Farmers
New figures show dairy farmers are not only holding on to their international workforce, but are also supporting those staff to step into higher-skilled roles on farm.
National
Two new awards open to help young farmers progress to farm ownership
Entries have opened for two awards in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme, aimed at helping young farmers progress to farm ownership.
Mike Siermans confirmed as Federated Farmers chief executive
Federated Farmers has confirmed interim chief executive Mike Siermans to the role.
Government taps Nathan Guy as Agricultural Trade Envoy
Former Agriculture Minister Nathan Guy says he's excited about his new role as NZ's Special Agricultural Trade Envoy.
Horticulture leader Dr Stuart Davis remembered for lasting legacy
A pillar of New Zealand's horticultural industry, Dr Stuart Davis, was farewelled at a well-attended funeral service in Tuakau, South Auckland, on December 18.
World
Nestle reportedly withdraws from methane accord
The ACT Party says media reports that global dairy giant Nestle has withdrawn from the Dairy Methane Action Alliance shows…
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.Opinion
Shared knowledge is our advantage so let's vote together
OPINION: We do dairy very well here in New Zealand and our products are revered internationally. With our products exported…
Editorial: Happy days
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.EPA remains committed to deliver improved outcomes
OPINION: At the end of my first year as chair of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), I have been reflecting…Editorial: Indian FTA is great news
OPINION: Trade Minister Todd McClay and the trade negotiator in government have presented Kiwis with an amazing gift for 2026…Share, spread goodwill this festive season
OPINION: As you sit down to read my column today, I trust all is well at your place.Agribusiness
Registrations open for 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic supporting Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust
Registrations are now open for the 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic, with all proceeds from the event set to support the…
Rubisco to relocate hemp fibre processing to Ashburton in $30m expansion
Hemp fibre processor Rubisco is relocating its core processing facility to Ashburton as part of a $20-$30 million expansion to…Tradition and technology converge at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo
Tradition meets some of the latest in technology at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.Applications Open for 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23…Ravensdown partners with Footrot Flats to celebrate Kiwi farming heritage
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to…Management
Soil, pasture health powers success
With the pressure of winter and spring behind us, and the groundwork laid, now is a good time for many farmers to pause, check progress against plan, and think ahead to ensure resilience for whatever summer and autumn may bring.
New Zealand native tree study strengthens Bioeconomy Science Institute’s forestry leadership
A New Zealand-first native tree study has highlighted the Bioeconomy Science Institute's position as a forestry research leader.
Genetics, Efficiency and Performance: How the Burgesses are raising the bar at Te Poi
Bill and Michelle Burgess had an eye-opening realisation when they produced the same with fewer cows.
Rangitīkei farmers take lead in water quality monitoring
Rangitikei Rivers Catchment Collective (RRCC) chairperson Roger Dalrymple says farmers in his region are taking a national lead in water quality awareness and monitoring.
Preparing for new freshwater plans
OPINION: With Freshwater Farm Plan (FWFP) regulations imminent, growers need practical, funded support now – not just more paperwork.
Farm Health
Beef Progeny Test strengthens NZ beef genetics
Mating wrapped up last month at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test on Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri.
Beef Progeny Test 2025: Genetic insights for NZ beef industry
At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.
Early summer stress risks dairy cow pregnancy success
By the time you are reading this, most spring-calving herds will have finished the main mating period.
Dry conditions highlight importance of Body Condition Scoring ewes at weaning
The dry conditions being experienced along much of the east coast of both Islands build a strong case for body condition scoring ewes at this season’s weaning.
Massey University Wiltshire trial draws growing farmer interest
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Machinery & Products
Krone BiG Pack Gen 6 sets new baling benchmark
Recently named Farm Machine of the Year 2026 in the forage and harvesting category at Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany, the arrival of the Krone BiG Pack HDP II 1290 Gen 6, is being touted as a major leap forward in baling technology for New Zealand farmers and contractors.
Carrfields expands machinery and seed capabilities
Complementing its existing portfolio of agricultural machinery brands, which includes Grange Machinery, Horsch, Novag, Manitou and MacDon, Ashburton-headquartered Carrfields has been appointed as distributors for Stocks Ag, best known for its applicators and seeders.
AgriSpread AS3000 Bulk Spreader: Precision spreading up to 52m
Manufactured in Ireland, tested and launched at Agritechnica in Germany, AgriSpread’s new AS3000 bulk spreader takes much of the technology and features of the well-established AS2000 Series but adds a conveyor system to increase spreading widths up to 30m with lime/gypsum, up to 48m with urea and a whopping 52m with mineral and synthetic fertilisers.
Agritechnica 2025: Claas, Fendt and Valtra claim 2026 Tractor of the Year Awards
Last month's Agritechnica event led to a wide group of manufacturers celebrating successes when the 2026 Tractor of the Year Competition winners, selected by a panel of European journalists, were announced in Hanover Germany.
Case IH Unveils New RB6 Round Balers & 2026 Square Baler Upgrades
Case IH has released details of its all-new round balers and redesigns to its large square balers aimed at increasing productivity.
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
The bow-tie effect
OPINION: If the hand-wringing, cravat and bow-tie wearing commentariat of a left-leaning persuasion had any influence on global markets, we'd…
Famous last words
OPINION: With Winston Peters playing politics with the PM's Indian FTA, all eyes will be on Labour who have the…
Milking It
No show
OPINION: There will be no cows at Europe's largest agricultural show in Paris this year for the first time ever…
More cows, less barley
OPINION: Canterbury grows most of the country's wheat, barley and oat crops. But persistently low wheat prices, coupled with a…
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Popular Reads
Environment Canterbury promotes on-farm composting as a practical alternative to offal pits
Environment Canterbury, alongside industry partners and a group of farmers, is encouraging farmers to consider composting as an environmentally friendly…
Santa's present for the primary sector - an FTA with India
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
Egan thanks family, friends for ONZM honour
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM)…
