Editorial: Common Sense Prevails
OPINION: The Government's decision to reinstate agriculture and horticultural science as a standalone subject from Year 11 is the right one.
O'Conner says he had a very productive meeting with the group he once labelled ‘The National Party in Gumboots’ – Federated Farmers.
At Parliament last week Feds Meat and Fibre section executive met with O’Connor for what may be seen as a landmark meeting. O’Connor praised Feds for their initiative, which he says involves “actively engaging” politicians from all parties.
Until now meetings between Labour and Federated Farmers have been sporadic, he says, describing this latest initiative as a “very smart move” that will help shore up relations between Feds and the Labour caucus.
“I welcome the opportunity to host them back to meet a number of my colleagues on a wide range of issues. I know my colleagues are keen to meet with them to talk productively about the issues we share.”
O’Connor says Labour is pro farming and that any “honest” farming leader will acknowledge Labour has made some of the most significant progressive changes in agriculture over the years.
Three men have been sentenced in District Courts after Ministry for Primary Industries prosecutions over animal welfare, food safety and cattle tracing offences.
Fonterra’s 2026 financial year was a year of delivery, with record volumes of milk collected, processed and shipped by the co-op.
OPINION: The Government's decision to reinstate agriculture and horticultural science as a standalone subject from Year 11 is the right one.
Dairy farmers, still holding onto their Fonterra shares despite switching milk supply elsewhere or exiting the industry, now face a stricter share sell-down requirement.
Hamilton-based agritech company Aimer Farming has completed a $3 million capital raise to support its next stage of growth, including a beef farming product due to launch in 2027.
When dairy manager Miriam Lauridsen learned the farm, she was joining held weekly health and safety meetings, she initially thought that was “a bit over the top”. Experiencing that culture changed her mind.

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