Arable Farmers Shift to Dairy as Fuel and Fertiliser Costs Surge
Some arable farmers are getting out of arable and converting to dairy in the faced of soaring fuel and fertiliser prices on top of a very poor growing season.
The country's two largest fertiliser traders have increased prices, for the second time in as many months.
Ravensdown and Ballance are blaming global supply and pricing dynamics for the latest price rise.
Both have bumped up urea prices by nearly 25% to $1,190/tonne.
Potash prices have also jumped by nearly $100/tonne. Ravensdown is selling potash at $995/t, Ballance at $1000/t.
Ravensdown has raised its superphosphate price from $339 to $367 but have told farmers that the new price will be maintained for the next six months.
Cyclone Vaianu is continuing its track south towards the Bay of Plenty, bringing with it destructive winds, heavy rain, and large swells, says Metservice.
While Cyclone Vaianu remains off the East Coast of New Zealand, the Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group says impacts have been felt overnight.
A Local State of Emergency has been declared for the Waikato for a period of seven days as the region prepares for Cyclone Vaianu to hit the area.
Farmers will get an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in sheep genetics at the Sheep Breeder Forum this May.
Specialist horticulture and viticulture weather forecasters Metris says the incoming Cyclone Vaianu is likely to impact growers across the country.
A group of old Otago uni mates with a love of South Island back-country have gone the lengths of Waiau Toa Clarence from source to sea. Tim Fulton, who joined the group in the final fun to the river mouth, tells their story.

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