Getting sheep shape at Pyramid Farm
The vineyards at Pyramid Farm in Marlborough’s Avon Valley have never been run of the mill, with plantings that follow the natural contours of the land, 250 metres above sea level.
Animals are lining up to take part in Whangarei A&P Society's annual Summer Show next month. The show will be held on December 3 and 4 at the Barge Showgrounds.
Organisers say animal lovers can see more than 2000 animals in all shapes and sizes set compete for nearly $40,000 worth of prize money.
Along with the competition animals, the rare breeds animal display provides the opportunity to pet and handle traditional farmyard animals such as chickens, sheep and goats, alongside rarer attractions such as donkeys, Dexter cattle, rabbits, llamas and Kune kune pigs.
Society president, Grant Billington says the rare breeds animal display, incorporating the farm yard nursery was an important aspect of the Show.
"Approximately half of the 15,000 people who attended the Show last year were from urban areas.
"This means, apart from domestic pets such as cats and dogs, about half of those who come to the Show are not used to seeing farm animals on a regular basis. Given that agriculture, farming and livestock are such a huge part of what New Zealand is all about, it is important for children especially, to have the chance to 'get up close and personal' with this part of our culture," says Billington.
Throughout each day of the Show, visitors can watch competitions to see who has the best dairy, beef or sheep animal. There are five competition rings where the equestrian riders, handlers and show jumpers do battle for the best horse, pony or rider and over 100 Alpacas add a modern perspective to the traditional farming stock.
Entry to the Show is $5/person, with children under five free. The Summer Show will open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm each day.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
This past week has seen another round of negotiations between India and New Zealand to produce a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
Cautiously optimistic is how DairyNZ's regional manager for the lower North Island, Mark Laurence describes the mood of farmers in his patch.
The Infrastructure Commission has endorsed a plan by Chorus to expand fibre broadband to 95% of New Zealand much to the delight of rural women.
Questions are being raised about just how good the state of the dairy industry is - especially given that the average farmgate payout for the coming season is set to exceed $10/kgMS.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…