Fieldays calls for entries to 2026 Innovation Awards
Entries have opened for the 2026 Fieldays Innovation Awards.
Ireland's Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, led a contingent of Irish businesses to the Fieldays last week.
Among their products were innovative agritechnology and machinery tested in the challenging Irish climate. Passing this test makes the equipment ideal for New Zealand conditions, Humphreys said.
Ireland see NZ as a key element in its current and future export strategy via direct sales and partnering with NZ companies.
“Many see significant potential for long term relationships because of the similarity of the two countries’ agricultural bases. This enables Irish agri solutions to seamlessly and successfully integrate with NZ agricultural landscapes,” she told Rural News.
The two countries share a similar outlook and values which set the foundation for a growing commercial relationship
“I see this going from strength to strength,” she says.
Humphreys said the embassies set up recently by both countries will help deepen the relationship.
Ireland and New Zealand have much in common culturally, and many opportunities exist to deep and strengthen that relationship with the advent of Brexit.
“Because of this obviously NZ is going to be looking for an EU base and what better place to choose than Ireland?” Humphreys asks.
Coming in at a year-end total at 3088 units, a rise of around 10% over the 2806 total for 2024, the signs are that the New Zealand farm machinery industry is turning the corner after a difficult couple of years.
New Zealand's animal health industry has a new tool addressing a long-standing sustainability issue.
The Government has announced that ACC will be a sponsor of this year's FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition.
As veterinary student numbers grow to help address New Zealand's national workforce shortge, Massey University's School of Veterinary Science is inviting more veterinary practices to partner in training the next generation of vets.
South Island dairy farmers will soon be able to supply organic milk to Fonterra.
Norwood has announced the opening of a new Tasman dealership at Richmond near Nelson next month.

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