Ravensdown Named Naming Rights Sponsor of A&P Show
Farmer owned co-operative Ravensdown has signed a two-year naming rights sponsorship of the Canterbury A&P Show.
Business Advisors and Accountants (BFA) and Craigs Investment Partners will be hosting an event later this month where they will take a deeper look at the practical and emotional side of succession planning.
Succession planning is important for a business’ and family’s future but nine out of 10 farming businesses don’t have a succession plan in place, and it isn’t often thought about until retirement.
With this knowledge front of mind, farmers and rural professionals are invited to attend what will be a powerful and practical seminar headlined by rural and mental health advocate Doug Avery – The Resilient Farmer.
Avery will share his deeply personal journey through farm succession, offering a blend of emotional honesty, resilience, and practical wisdom drawn from lived experience.
Taking place on Wednesday 21 May at the Millennium Hotel in Taupō, event attendees will hear from a diverse group of expert advisors as they share their approach to successful succession planning — including key strategies, case studies, and common pitfalls to avoid.
Nick Hume, client advisor at BFA says that farm succession is one of the most important - and often highly emotional - decisions a farming family will face.
"This event is about creating space for honest conversation, sharing practical tools, and learning from people who have walked the path," he says.
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.
Blueberries have the potential to become a major horticultural export, earning up to $150 million within the next three to five years.
Twenty five secondary school students from around New Zealand recently completed a three day residential programme designed to explore career opportunities across the food and fibre production supply chain.
Conversions of sheep and beef farms to forestry have slowed, however new research from Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) suggests land of value for food production remains at risk.

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