How farmers make spring count
OPINION: Spring is a critical season for farmers – a time when the right decisions can set the tone for productivity and profitability throughout the year.
Students looking to fund their agriculture or engineering studies have until October 28 to apply for one of four Ballance Agri-Nutrients scholarships.
The scholarships will provide $4000 a year for up to three years and are open to immediate family members of Ballance shareholders or company employees. They are for students wanting to study at tertiary level in either the general primary industry field or in process engineering.
Ballance research and development manager Warwick Catto says New Zealand scientists are developing world-leading capabilities in agricultural technology, animal health and also food technology.
"Our economy is inextricably linked to maximising the use of our land and we're very good at it," says Catto.
"Our primary industries need high quality people who study hard to solve very real world problems both today in our fields and paddocks and also in the future. Our scholarships make a real contribution."
Nearly 60 students have benefited from the Ballance scholarship programme since 2002.
For more details or to apply, visit www.ballance.co.nz
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.

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