Editorial: Roll on 2021!
OPINION: There is no doubt that 2020 has been a challenging year for New Zealand and the world.
Federated Farmers is encouraging South Island farmers to enter a competition to discover who could become the South Island's farmer of farmers.
"The 2013 Lincoln University Foundation South Island Farmer of the Year Competition is about finding the Mainland's next best farmer," says Bruce Wills, Federated Farmers President.
"This competition is unique in two regards. For starters, it is open to all farmers whether they are apiarists or the growers of zucchinis. Secondly, the competition for the first time ever will accept nominations of deserving farmers from third parties.
"Many farmers are focussed on getting out there and just doing what they do best. As such, they can be reluctant to self-nominate so by allowing third-parties this right, it means the very best can be celebrated by us all.
"The competition's top prize is a $20,000 travel grant, which allows the winner to travel overseas to look at other farming practices and technologies. It is about doing what Kiwis do best and that is to adopt and adapt best practice wherever it is found.
"The Lincoln University Foundation is also offering four new category prizes in Human Resource Management, the Use of Technology, Consumer Awareness and in Resource Use Efficiency. The winner of each category will receive an impressive $5,000.
"Nominations are open now and will close on August 1, 2013.
"Federated Farmers encourages South Island farmers, farm workers, contractors, suppliers and friends to visit the Lincoln University Foundation's website for more details," Wills concluded.
More than 1200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services at next month’s National Fieldays, with sites nearly sold out.
Despite difficult trading conditions for European machinery manufacturers brought about conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, alongside the United States imposing punitive tariffs, Italian manufacturer Maschio Gaspardo, has seen turnover increase 12% in 2025 to €390 million (NZ$775m) with a net profit of €11.2 million (NZ$22.3).
New Zealand innovation company Techion, best known for its animal diagnostics platform, FECPAK has signed an exclusive strategic partnership with Farmlands to bring independent animal health disease intelligence to its customers.
Zespri says it welcomes the recently signed Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal, describing it as an important step towards supporting growth in the region and for New Zealand's kiwifruit industry.
Troubled milk processor Synlait has lost its third chief executive in five years.
Westgold butter has been named New Zealand's tastiest in a blind tasting conducted by Consumer New Zealand.

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