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Federated Farmers' annual conference kicks off in Ashburton today and runs until Friday.
President Bruce Wills says precision agriculture and the red meat sector's future are likely to dominate in industry group annual meetings. These are dairy, meat and fibre and grain and seed.
"We look forward to hearing from our colleagues at Meat Industry Excellence, as well as from industry experts, leaders and insiders," he says.
"This will also feature one of the first talks by New Zealand's Special Agriculture Trade Envoy, Mike Petersen, since his confirmation in the role.
"On Thursday afternoon our Plenary Day kicks-off and this is about generating new thinking and ideas. We are using external panellists to get discussion flowing on Local Government's Future; Water Partnerships for Progress and Rural New Zealand & Agriculture with the Next Generation."
The annual awards will be held on Thursday evening.
"Here we will announce our Agri-Personality and Allflex Agri Businessperson for 2013. This night is also the only opportunity where all of agriculture's major award winners come together under the same roof. It is a galaxy of farming talent."
The federation's formal business day takes place on Friday. This will also feature a focus on adverse events and Federated Farmers role in them. "Somewhat timely given recent snow and of course, the 2013 drought," says Wills.
A rare weather double-whammy has seen many South Island farmers having to deal with unseasonal snow while still cut off from power supplies after an unprecedented windstorm.
OPINION: Recent media commentary from Southland Federated Farmers has raised concerns among our rural communities, particularly around Environment Southland’s approach to winter grazing inspections and nitrogen reporting. But let’s be clear, much of what’s been said simply doesn’t reflect reality.
OPINION: Environment Canterbury's (ECan) decision recently to declare a so-called “nitrate emergency” is laughable.
A shameless political stunt is how Federated Farmers is describing the Canterbury Regional Council decision to declare “a nitrate emergency” on the back of its latest annual groundwater quality survey.
Farmers who find the land next to them is about to be converted into forestry, face potential damage and costly consequences.
Engaging, thought provoking speakers, relevant seminars and relatable topics alongside innovative produces and services are the order of the day at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.
Farm supplies trader Ruralco has recovered from two consecutive years of losses to post a $1.25 million profit for the 2025 financial year.
Naki Honey, a New Zealand manuka apiary company, has crafted what is believed to be the world's most expensive honey.
OPINION: Wool farmers believe the future of strong wool still holds promise.
Applications are open for Horticulture New Zealand's (HortNZ) 2026 scholarship programme, with 20 funding opportunities available.
OPINION: Farmers are being asked to celebrate a target that changes nothing for the climate, wastes taxpayer money, and ignores real science.
