Wired for Science: Understanding the feeding habits of mealybug
Fussy children might be frustrating, but fussy mealybugs could help protect the New Zealand wine industry from grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3.
FOUR finalists in the 33rd Lincoln University Foundation South Island Farmer of the Year completion have been announced.
Under the theme 'Innovation in Farming', they stretch from Sawdon Station, a high country station using lupins as a forage crop, to the multi-farm irrigated dairy business of Synlait Farms which has a novel approach to personnel management.
Methven arable and fodder crop farmers Andy and Kate Chapman, and Ashburton specialist croppers and technology enthusiasts Deanne and Joanne Taylor make up the quartet.
Second judging visits will be made shortly, then on November 8 the finalists make a presentation about their business at Lincoln, after which a winner will be announced.
Controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the Auckland suburb of Mt Roskill have been lifted.
Fonterra farmer shareholders and unit holders are in line for another payment in April.
Farmers are being encouraged to take a closer look at the refrigerants running inside their on-farm systems, as international and domestic pressure continues to build on high global warming potential (GWP) 400-series refrigerants.
As expected, Fonterra has lifted its 2025-26 forecast farmgate milk price mid-point to $9.50/kgMS.
Bovonic says a return on investment study has found its automated mastitis detection technology, QuadSense, is delivering financial, labour, and animal-health benefits on New Zealand dairy farms worth an estimated $29,547 per season.
Pāmu has welcomed ten new apprentices into its 2026 intake, marking the second year of a scheme designed to equip the next generation of farmers with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for a thriving career in agriculture.

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OPINION: ECan data was released a few days ago showing Canterbury farmers have made “giant strides on environmental performance”.