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She’s a pretty big job!

The JD 4066M tractor is doing all the work.

When Smythe Contractors, Hautapu, recently won the contract to install the irrigation system for the new second drier being constructed at Fonterra Lichfield, it was a case of déjà vu.

Genetics role aims to grow local talent

Dr Phillip Wilcox (right) pictured with BLNZ Genetics general manager Graham Alder (left).

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (BLNZ) Genetics has appointed Dr Phillip Wilcox as its inaugural senior lecturer in quantitative genetics at the University of Otago.

Dogs do vary – so adapt your training

Just because a dog’s parent is a good barker, does not mean the pup will be.

My dear old Jean was one of the best mustering dogs I ever saw. She was black and tan with a longish silky coat, handy (only barking when necessary) unbelievably clever, easy to work and a growl from me was the only chastisement she ever received.

Plant expert boosts team

Plant science specialist Dr Lydia Cranston has joined Massey University’s International Sheep Research Centre.

Piggery under court order, big fine

A court order has been made against a Waikato pig farmer, limiting his involvement in the industry.

Focus on feeding – vet

If farmers can keep ewes in good condition the battle is essentially won.

Sheep and beef farmers need to focus on feeding their best stock well, according to Martin Walshe, practice manager of Hunterville Vets.

Huge variety in South Island farmer competition

New Zealand’s largest free-farmed pig enterprise, Patoa Farms (run by the Sterne family) were winners of the 2014 SI Farmers of the Year title.

Entries representing every aspect of New Zealand farming have been received for the 2015 Lincoln University Foundation South Island Farmer of the Year award.

Better autumn pasture mgmt could net $150k more

Far North dairy farmer David Gray says farmers need to match their rotation length to leaf emergence.

Keeping tight control of pasture growth in spring and autumn could help drystock profitability, according to Northland pastoral farming specialists.

Myth busting all part of an inspector’s job!

WorkSafe NZ’s Nick Barclay with the Safer Farms.

Nick Barclay, from WorkSafe NZ says while much media focus is on quads, they are not the only problem.

New H&S rules not so scary...

Rural News’ Peter Burke (right) and WorkSafe NZ’s Nick Barclay.

While the Health and Safety legislation debate raged in Parliament, inspectors from WorkSafe NZ were out talking to farmers. One was Rural News reporter Peter Burke who owns a small ‘life sentence’ block in Horowhenua.