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Farmers will weather El Nino challenges

Forecaster Tony Trewinnard says farmers are seeking information to help with their planning.

With the country now experiencing an El Nino cycle, farmers are seeking all available information to help them plan ahead.

Soil key to limiting global warming - expert

Soil's ability to store carbon and contain greenhouse gases could globally limit climate warming, says a University of Sydney expert.

Help available if El Nino plays out

The Rural Support Trust is getting information out early about help available in case the El Nino brings drought, says Northland Rural Support co-ordinator Julie Jonker.

Farmers need to be heard on environmental plans

"It is important that sheep and beef farmers are heard and understood," says Beef + Lamb NZ farmer council chairman Andrew McKenzie.

The environment is one of the biggest issues facing sheep and beef farmers, says the northern Beef + Lamb NZ farmer council chairman Andrew McKenzie.

‘Super’ El Nino on the cards

Petra Chappell and Chris Brandolino from NIWA.

The current El Nino is tracking to the level of the 1997-98 event which was the strongest since 1950, NIWA says.

Online companies enjoy a head start

While 23% of New Zealand's businesses are rural-based, there are still many without good access to the internet.

Companies which have high internet usage are currently 4 years ahead, 6% more productive and generate 20% more revenue compared with an average firm.

Lab beef a real threat

Chinese scientists have signed a deal to set up a commercial animal cloning centre in the northern port city of Tianjin.

Council directive angers farmers – Gent

Former Fonterra directors Greg Gent (left), Harry Bayliss (centre), and Earl Rattray discuss matters at the annual meeting.

Fonterra farmers were angry with the directive from the Shareholders Council to vote against a remit, says Greg Gent.

Ruataniwha irrigation scheme a step closer

Irrigation New Zealand chief executive Andrew Curtis.

The propsed Hawke's Bay Ruataniwha irrigation scheme is another step closer following the approval of the design and construction contract for its dam at a regional council meeting last week.

New hope for strong wool?

Wools of NZ chief executive Rosstan Mazey.

Wools of NZ (WNZ) hopes to determine by March next year the commercial viability of new technologies for improved whiteness and dyeing of strong wool, says chief executive Rosstan Mazey.