Keep What Works Working: NZ's New Resistance Campaign
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
ZESPRI SAYS its forecast per hectare returns have broken $50,000 for the first time, predicting orchard gate returns per hectare of $51,047.
This compares to $42, 659 for the 2013 season.
The October forecast Green return per tray has increased to $5.71 from $5.34 forecast in August, supported by price increases in Europe.
The October forecast for Gold is $9.57 per tray, up from an August forecast of $9.36; Organic Green $6.81, up from $6.35; and Green14 $6.98, up from $6.93.
The total fruit and service payment, across all pools and excluding the loyalty premium, is forecast at $882.46 million, up from $856.2 million in the August 2014 forecast.
The Zespri net profit is forecast to be $22 million to $27 million including recognising $6.3m of Gold licence revenue from prior seasons not yet received.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…