Fieldays hold out the begging bowl
OPINION: When someone says “we don’t want a handout, we need a hand up” it usually means they have both palms out and they want your money.
Zespri chief executive Lain Jager is the Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year.
The prestigious agricultural communicator award was presented to Jager at Mystery Creek Fieldays last night.
The award honours those who make a significant contribution to the sector and the role they play in making New Zealand world leaders in primary production.
Jager is credited for running the best business in the primary sector, taking the kiwifruit industry from crisis to global success - now supplying 32% of global trade.
“Lain is one of those natural leaders that can take a nation with him,” says Greg Campbell, Ravensdown chief executive, “his accessibility and ability to connect with people on any level are paramount to his success. The journey Zespri has been on from the PSA outbreak to today is testament to that.”
Jager receives $2500 cash prize from Ravensdown alongside the prestigious pounamu trophy.
In its 31st year, the Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year Award remains the premier award for agricultural communicators and is run by New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators.
“Communicating the opportunities and challenges facing the agri-sector has never been more important. The industry is full of talented, insightful and enthusiastic individuals who connect with people in a variety of ways. This award is about celebrating all those champions as well as acknowledging the efforts of one individual,” says Campbell.
"That’s why we’re thrilled to be able to support the New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators with this award.”
With the current situation in the European farm machinery market being described as difficult at best, it’s perhaps no surprise that the upcoming AgriSIMA 2026 agricultural machinery exhibition, scheduled for February 2026 at Paris-Nord Villepinte, has been cancelled.
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) has launched the first in-market activation of the refreshed Taste Pure Nature country-of-origin brand with an exclusive pop-up restaurant experience in Shanghai.
Jayna Wadsworth, daughter of the late New Zealand wicketkeeper Ken Wadsworth, has launched an auction of cricket memorabilia to raise funds for I Am Hope's youth mental health work.
As we move into the 2025/26 growing season, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that the third quarter results for the year to date is showing that the stagnated tractor market of the last 18 months is showing signs of recovery.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is urging dairy farmers to participate in the 2026 Levy vote, to be held early next year.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling for nominations for director roles in the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island electoral districts.

OPINION: Every time politicians come up with an investment scheme where they're going to have a crack at 'picking winners'…
OPINION: What are the unions for these days?