George Dodson on Efficiency and Low-Cost Dairy Farming
Efficiency is the big one because it tracks back into what is done on farm.
Animal and Plant Health Association NZ says it welcomes a review of regulations "hampering NZ agriculture's ability to keep pace with the rest of the world".
The Government recently announced the next steps in improving efficiencies in approving crop protection and animal health products with the terms of reference for a regulatory review that will assess how to "speed up the process to get our farmers access to the sorts of safe, innovative products they need to remain competitive".
Association president Gavin Kerr says the review is a 'game-changer' for the agricultural community, setting the stage for a more efficient regulatory environment that fosters innovation while maintaining New Zealand’s high safety standards.
“It’s all about finding that sweet spot where regulation meets opportunity, allowing farmers to thrive in a competitive global market.
“This is a chance for industry voices to be heard by contributing to a future where innovation flourishes,” adds Kerr.
It signals that industry and government share the common goals of innovating and growing New Zealand by “maintaining the country’s amazing farming and food safety reputation, which underpins our export success”.
Kerr says it’s also a chance to grow leadership, collaborate and rediscover our ambition.
“We encourage our members to contribute their expertise and experiences to shape a regulatory environment that supports innovation and growth while upholding our high standards. Our industry contributes to New Zealand’s economic growth, sustainability efforts, and global competitiveness in the agrifood sector.”
Alliance Group's $16 million programme to install innovative heat pump systems at its Otago and Southland processing plants wins a New Zealand Energy Excellence Award after cutting annual emissions by more than 24,000 tonnes of CO₂e.
The arable sector losing good people and land is a major concern for the 2026 Arable Farmers of the Year, Mid Canterbury seed growers John and Mel McCaw.
The terrible floods that hit the Wairarapa may have subsided, but the danger to farmers still exists, according to local Federated Farmers president Rob Hickson.
New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) encourages afforestation while not achieving climate goals, says a new report released by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton.
Are you ready for El Nino? That’s the question asked by Beef+Lamb NZ’s Ian Tarbotton who leads B+LNZ’s farm extension service.
Bigger, bolder salads packed with colour, crunch and flavour are making headlines overseas — and the arrival of fresh spring vegetables means New Zealanders can now get chopping too, creating their own Great Kiwi Spring Salad.