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Bruce Orr
Two Southdown rams shared the honours at Canterbury A&P Association’s elite ram & ewe sale last November, both making $14,000.
Of 238 rams offered, 77 were passed but all 24 ewes sold. Rams averaged $1781 and ewes $234 to total $286,725, back on last year’s $306,120.
“While overall sales are down on last year, the clearance rate was good and averages kept up with 2013,” said PGG Wrightson NZ livestock genetics manager Bruce Orr. The drop in sales was disappointing but a sign of the times and buyers were getting “very good value” with rams, given the number and price of prime lambs they could sire, he added.
“The overall picture for sheep and beef looks pleasing when you consider the global outlook for dairy farming, particularly taking into account the large disparity in the 2013 and 2014 proposed payouts.”
The two sale-topping Southdowns were from BC Macaulay’s Maclaka stud, Christchurch, and Chris Medlicott’s Clifton Downs, Waimate.
With a focus on producing their own on-farm dairy feed requirements, it would be safe to say that the Fleming family are no strangers to a fertiliser spreader on their North Canterbury farm, near Culverden.
As the New Zealand Government launches negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with India, one Canterbury-based vegetable seed breeder is already benefiting from exporting to the world's fifth-largest economy.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Rare Canterbury mudfish and tadpole shrimp have been discovered at an environmental restoration site at Bennetts Stream in North Canterbury which is part of a biodiversity initiative being carried out by Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Synlait is hoping that its proposed recapitalisation plan will help retain its spooked farmer supplier base.
The Good Carbon Farm has partnered with Tolaga Bay Heritage Charitable Trust to deliver its first project in Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
Education union NZEI Te Riu Roa says that while educators will support the Government’s investment in learning support, they’re likely to be disappointed that it has been paid for by defunding expert teachers.
The Government says it is sharpening its focus and support for the food and fibre industry in Budget 2025.
A European Union regulation ensuring that the products its citizens consume do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation worldwide threatens $200m of New Zealand beef and leather exports.
A long-acting, controlled- release capsule designed to protect ewes from internal parasites during the lambing period is back on the market following a comprehensive reassessment.
Healthcare appears to be the big winner in this year's budget as agriculture and environment miss out.
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