National Pledges QEII Funding Boost to Support Farm Conservation
Money invested to protect native bush, wetlands and other special habitats on farms is paying huge dividends.
Federated Farmers president Katie Milne says it's agriculture’s time to shine by stepping up now “when the country needs us more than ever”.
As the country moves towards the highest alert level in the fight against coronavirus, Milne says the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has made sure that agriculture is “all in” as essential services.
Now the farming sector has to step up and function under strict distancing policies on farm “so we are safe while we continue producing food”, she adds.
“As we are in a biological system where the seasons don’t wait things need to keep happening in line with seasonal requirements,” she told Rural News.
She warns these are strict times and only “work” can be done.
“No gallivanting off socially - we are expected to observe lockdown rules after work just like the rest of our communities.
“None of us has the right to flaunt this as it could put the health of others at risk.”
Milne says a lot of work still needs to be done to iron out finer details with Ministry of Primary Industries around the current situation.
“Everyone is working well together on this to get it right.”
Joshua Irving has been named the 2026 Ormond Nurseries North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the Year.
Vets say they support the responsible use of virtual fencing and virtual herding technology for cattle and wants to work with farmers, manufacturers and government to help shape standards for future use backed by ongoing research to strengthen animal welfare outcomes.
National and world records tumbled as top Kiwi axeman claimed two Stihl Timbersports world titles at the same event in Budapest, Hungary over the first weekend in June.
A safety push across New Zealand has revealed significant gaps in hazardous substances management, farm vehicles, tractors, quad bikes and side-by-sides.
New Zealand farmers have earned a global edge by consistently yet cautiously taking advantage of emerging agri-technology.
New season data from LIC shows a strong reproductive performance for the 2025-26 season, with a lift in key metrics compared to last season.

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