New Company ASTEC to Supply Asparagopsis Seaweed for Methane Research
A new company set up to cultivate and supply seaweed for animal methane mitigation studies believes it could be a game changer for the dairy industry.
New Zealand rural apparel brand Back Country is inviting Kiwis to part ways with tired, holey socks at Fieldays with a giant 'Sock Swap Fence' inspired by one of New Zealand's iconic rural roadside landmarks.
The activation will run across all four days of Fieldays at Mystery Creek, with visitors encouraged to donate old socks in exchange for a free pair of Back Country Men’s Brushed Thermal Socks, valued at $16.
Back Country offers rural clothing made for those who live it - from socks all the way through to 100% wool jumpers.
Fieldays attendees will be able to hang old socks on the Sock Swap Fence regardless of their condition, with thousands expected to be collected over the four-day event.
"Every Kiwi has a pair of socks - or many - that have seen better days, and it's an item that you tend to leave until last to replace," says Rachel Hitchcock, The Warehouse Group general manager, marketing.
She says the activation is inspired by the Cardrona Bra Fence.
"We’re bringing the North Island’s answer to the iconic Cardrona Bra Fence to Fieldays, to provide a taste of the quality Back Country has to offer."
The retired socks won't go to waste either - every sock donated will be recycled through ImpacTex and transformed into signage, packaging, and furniture.
Hitchcock says Back Country is proud to be partnering with the company to recycle the items which would otherwise find their way to the landfill.
"Through our Sock Swap Fence, visitors to Fieldays can actively participate in the circular economy and see firsthand how even the most worn-out items can have a second life," she says.
Over the four-day event, donated socks will gradually build into a large-scale installation at the Back Country site.
Alongside the Sock Swap Fence, visitors will be able to shop exclusive Fieldays-only deals across selected Back Country products, including kids' waterproof overalls, wool men's jumpers, winter fleeces, and beanies.
A selection of the brand’s wider range will also be available to browse on the day, spanning footwear such as essential gumboots and work boots, hunting camo and waterproof jackets, and shorts and fleece pants.
Hitchcock says the Back Country range is designed to meet the demands of rural New Zealanders and outdoor lifestyles.
“Whether you’re on the farm, heading out hunting, or spinning a yarn, Back Country gear is as real and hardworking as you are. It’s made to handle early starts, long days, and everything the elements throw your way,” she says.
The Back Country apparel range is available year-round at The Warehouse stores, online at thewarehouse.co.nz, and at Fieldays, Mystery Creek, Hamilton between 10th and 13th June.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…