B+LNZ Urges Farmers to Graze Lucerne Hard Before Winter Weed Control
Beef + Lamb New Zealand is reminding farmers with lucerne stands to graze them hard over the next few weeks in preparation for a winter weed control programme.
NIWA is predicting average to above average temperatures for early winter, May to July, for most of the country – except for "near average" in the east of the South Island.
Early winter rainfall is likely to be normal or above normal in the north and east of the North Island, and near normal in other regions.
Similarly, soil moisture levels are likely to be normal or above normal in the north and east of the North Island and near normal in other regions.
Despite the overall pattern of near or above average temperatures, frosts typical of winter will occur from time to time.
Early winter rainfall is likely to be normal or above normal in the north and east of the North Island, and near normal in other regions.
Soil moisture levels are likely to be normal or above normal in the north and east of the North Island and near normal in other regions.
River flows are likely to be normal or above normal in the north and east of the North Island, normal or below normal in the west of both islands, and near normal in the north and east of the South Island.
Regional predictions for the next three months:
Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty: Early winter temperatures are equally likely to be near average or above average. Seasonal rainfall totals, soil moisture levels, and river flows are all equally likely to be in the near normal or above normal range.
Central North Island, Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu, Wellington: Seasonal temperatures are equally likely to be near average or above average. Early winter rainfall totals and soil moisture levels are likely to be near normal for the three month season as a whole, while river flows are likely to be near normal or below normal.
Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa: Seasonal temperatures are equally likely to be in the near average or above average range. Early winter rainfall totals, soil moisture levels and river flows are all equally likely to be in the near normal or above normal range.
Nelson, Marlborough, Buller: Early winter temperatures are equally likely to be near average or above average. Seasonal rainfall totals, river flows, and soil moisture levels are all likely to be in the normal range.
West Coast, Alps and foothills, inland Otago, Southland: Early winter temperatures are equally likely to be near average or above average. Seasonal rainfall totals and soil moisture levels are likely to be in the near normal range, while river flows are equally likely to be in the near normal or below normal range.
Coastal Canterbury, east Otago: Seasonal temperatures are likely to be near average. Early winter rainfall totals, river flows, and soil moisture levels are likely to be in the normal range.
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.

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