New Reviva Forage Rape Wins Over Dryland Farmers in First Year
It's only just hit the market, but a new forage rape bred for dryland farms has already won the approval of lambs and young cattle both north and south.
The Manawatu-Whanganui region has the largest number of sheep and beef cattle of any in New Zealand.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy recently launched a new scheme to lift the productivity and profitability of sheep and beef farmers in Manawatu-Whanganui.
The Sheep and Beef Land Productivity Programme comes out of the recently released Manawatu-Whanganui Growth Study, which identified the sheep and beef sector as a key opportunity for the region.
“This region has the largest number of sheep and beef cattle of any in New Zealand, so improving the performance of these farms will be an economic boost,” says Guy.
“We know the top 20% of red meat farmers achieve returns about four times more than those of the average red meat farmer, irrespective of land class and location. This shows the potential on offer.
Guy says a regional working group has begun developing a draft programme structure, looking at how to support farmers to reach their goals and remove barriers to them doing so.
“It will inform and inspire farmers through practical initiatives that make sense and work on the ground,” he adds.
“Of course the Government can’t and shouldn’t do this on our own and this will require involvement and investment by farmers and stakeholders. So it’s great to see there is widespread support from regional leaders to get cracking.”
Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.
A Labour-led Government won’t be bringing back the controversial freshwater rules of 2020.
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.

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