Bulk wine exports surpass packaged wine volumes
Data from February 2025 shows volumes of bulk wine exports exceeded packaged wine.
The Ministry for Primary Industries have published a brochure to help farmers prepare for what could be a drier summer.
MPI minister Nathan Guy says farmers are being urged to prepare for the possible impact of El Nino conditions.
"While every El Nino is different and the impacts on New Zealand can be hard to predict, it often means drier conditions in the north and east, with cooler temperatures and more rain in the west.
"This would not be good for those on the east coast of the South Island who have had a very dry 12 months already and are still officially in drought. That's why it is important to plan and start preparing now."
The brochure's advice includes planning, implementing a feed budget, irrigation, talking to experts, animal care and work/life balance.
"Farmers are resourceful and used to dealing with the challenges thrown up by Mother Nature. The key is to be ready and start preparing now."
The brochure has been prepared with the support of Beef + Lamb NZ, Dairy NZ, Rural Support Trusts, Federated Farmers, Rural Women New Zealand, the New Zealand Bankers Association and the New Zealand Veterinary Association. It is available at www.mpi.govt.nz
After 20 years of milking cows, Northland farmer Greg Collins is ready to step into the governance side of dairy.
For some Canterbury teenagers, their career is being shaped by hands-on experience in a sector they are passionate about - dairy farming.
Dairy farmers will be paying a new levy rate of 4.5c/kgMS - an extra 0.9c/kgMS - to industry-good body DairyNZ from June 1 this year.
The 'atmospheric river' of rain that swept down the country last week almost completely avoided one of the worst drought-affected regions in the country – coastal Taranaki.
Much-needed rain finally arrived in Northland, giving many farmers breathing space to get themselves back on track for next season.
Despite the turmoil in global markets, Fonterra is continuing with a dual track process to divest its multi-billion dollars consumer businesses.