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Bond scheme needs monitoring

The Voluntary Bonding Scheme needs to be more focused on delivering better health services for rural New Zealand, Labour spokesperson for Rural Affairs Damien O'Connor says.

Feds back water report

Water has been a divisive issue for New Zealanders, but as one of 60 stakeholders and five iwi to agree with the Land & Water Forum's second report, Federated Farmers is looking to move forward.

A year-long Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) study looking at chemical residues in fresh, unwashed produce indicates New Zealand growers are largely following good agricultural practice (GAP) in how they use chemicals.

Feds keen to join world body

Federated Farmers of New Zealand and the Australian National Farmers' Federation (NFF) will both apply for membership of international agricultural advocacy body, the World Farmers' Organisation (WFO).

Wool holds steady

The 7,900 bales of North Island wool on offer this week saw a 68.7% clearance with a generally firm to dearer trend, New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson reports.

Swine of a ruling

PIG FARMERS battling dismal returns fear a High Court ruling has condemned them to an even more uncertain future.

It follows the High Court’s decision to uphold Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) import health standards for pork. While an appeal remains an option New Zealand Pork has already spent $1.4 million fighting the case.

Taking on the big boys

A NEW online rural supplies service is about more than just offering your farm needs direct to door: it promises to help independent local stores compete with the big chains.

Miraka off to a flying start

IN JUST its first year Miraka, the new Maori-owned dairy company, is ahead of its production targets.

The major shareholders in the plant are the Tuaropaki Trust, owners of the land where the plant is built, and Wairarapa Moana, owner of at least 10,000ha in the area north of Taupo.

Competition a boost to Maori farming

THE PERFORMANCE of Maori farming has lifted as a direct result of the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition for excellence, says Kingi Smiler, chairman of the contest management committee.

Cow pooling adds $200 per beast

FARMERS CAN make an extra $200 a beast by cow pooling, while the purchaser gets cheaper meat, says Federated Farmers Rural Butchers chairperson Mike Hanson.