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Bludgers

This old mutt is not surprised to see that the smug tourism sector, which has been quick to jump on the anti-farming bandwagon with clean water campaigners, is all take and no give on the environment.

How now, brown cow

The Hound keeps despairing at the poor knowledge and appreciation of farming in NZ.

Thick as mud

Your old mate is not surprised the general population has such a low opinion of local government and local councils.

On task — Editorial

The discovery of the cow disease Mycoplasma bovis in South Canterbury last month again raised concerns among farmers about NZ’s biosecurity measures and responsiveness.

Horticulture sector sets its election wishes

In the months leading up to this year’s election, HortNZ has worked with our members to develop an election manifesto.

Adding value more than just adding cost

Rabobank’s Blake Holgate says meat producers need to consider specific strategies for adding value.

The term ‘value added’ is too often used as a vague generic, and farmers need to consider specific strategies for adding value, says Rabobank analyst Blake Holgate.

Telford enters new era

Progressive Livestock auctioneers run the surplus stock and plant auction at Telford following the takeover of the training operation by North Island-based Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre. A crowd estimated at close to 400, including 280 registered bidders, turned out for the auction.

Lincoln University's transfer of its Telford agricultural training operation at Balclutha to Wairarapa-based Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre has been completed, on the payment of a token $1 for the campus and other assets.

More stainless steel, less milk

The new Mataura dairy plant under construction at Gore.

New Zealand dairy processors could struggle to get enough milk to operate their plants, according to a new report by Rabobank.

Look at this, boyo

Rural News machinery editor Mark Daniel took time during a recent whistle-stop European study tour to visit the Royal Welsh Show.

Lab-grown food a major threat

Landcorp’s Steven Carden says the threat to NZ farming from new food technologies is real.

The threat to farming from new food technologies is real, says Landcorp chief executive Steven Carden.

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Banks may get fed up with highly indebted farmers

The agricultural sector accounts for 14% of all bank lending with the dairy sector making up 68% of this figure.

Banks may increasingly lose patience with farms with very high cost structures and very high debt burdens, warns Chris Bloor, financial systems analyst at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.

NZ avocados healthier than competition

NZ Avocados chief executive Jen Scoular says the discovery of new health benefits of avocados grown here is great news for an already booming industry.