The Power of Refugia
Worms are present on every farm; it’s ensuring there are enough worms that are susceptible to drench within your farm system, through the use of refugia, that is a key tool in slowing the rise of drench resistance.
The two associations representing NZ's crop protection and animal health industries will merge this month.
Agcarm (formerly known as the Agricultural Chemical and Animal Remedy Manufacturers' Association) and the Animal Remedies and Plant Protection Association (ARPPA) will join forces to become a single united industry voice named the Animal and Plant Health Association of New Zealand Inc. - abbreviated to Animal and Plant Health New Zealand.
The new body will represent more than 90% of New Zealand's animal health and crop protection manufacturers - a $1-billion industry. It will also include rural retailer businesses and associate members.
"By joining together, we have one united industry voice representing our members to government, consuers and other stakeholders," says Agcarm president Gavin Kerr.
"It's an exciting and challenging time for our industry and the right time to unite and strengthen our voice." adds Kerr. He is referring to the impacts of Covid-19 and the increasingly complex challenges of supply chains and new regulations.
ARPPA chair Ed Catherwood says that his members voted unanimously to join with Agcarm.
"This merger is a fitting tribute to the late Colin Harvey, a long time ARPPA chairman and renowned industry veteran, who advocated for this merger," he adds.
Fonterra’s 2026 financial year was a year of delivery, with record volumes of milk collected, processed and shipped by the co-op.
OPINION: The Government's decision to reinstate agriculture and horticultural science as a standalone subject from Year 11 is the right one.
Dairy farmers, still holding onto their Fonterra shares despite switching milk supply elsewhere or exiting the industry, now face a stricter share sell-down requirement.
Hamilton-based agritech company Aimer Farming has completed a $3 million capital raise to support its next stage of growth, including a beef farming product due to launch in 2027.
When dairy manager Miriam Lauridsen learned the farm, she was joining held weekly health and safety meetings, she initially thought that was “a bit over the top”. Experiencing that culture changed her mind.
Nominations are open for the 2027 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Award.

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