Management

EPA approves biological controls for noxious weed

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved a rust fungus and a flower weevil to control Darwin’s barberry, a spiny invasive shrub.

Te Herenga o Te Rā combines solar power and sheep grazing

One of New Zealand's latest and largest agrivoltaics farm Te Herenga o Te Rā is delivering clean renewable energy while preserving the land's agricultural value for sheep grazing under the modules.

Massey University returns to Fieldays showcasing future-focused agricultural innovation

Massey University is returning to the Fieldays with a future-focused, solution-driven theme, showcasing research that delivers practical advancements in agricultural efficiency, sustainability and longevity.

Otago Regional Council to launch winter flyovers

Otago Regional Council is set to begin its annual winter farm flyovers in the next three weeks.

Woolpress working like a dream

As the maker of the TPW Woolpress celebrates its 50th anniversary, one Christchurch company is singing the praises of the machine, which has been a centrepiece of its operation for most of that time.

Autumn sub clover control sets up pasture for spring

Recent widespread autumn rain will have triggered the germination of subterranean clover seeds, and the resulting seedlings should be allowed to reach the 3–4 trifoliate leaf stage before grazing, says Beef+Lamb NZ.

GNS Science urges action as drought threatens New Zealand's freshwater resilience

With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.

World-first 'digital eyes' to assess pasture cover

Assessing pasture cover has just been become easier, thanks to Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Wool-shedding sheep key to remote farm operation

For Marlborough Sounds farmer Noel Moleta, farming hair sheep that need no shearing is one of the keys to running a low-input, low-intervention operation in a difficult and highly remote location.

East Coast Expo delivers two action-packed days of events

The recent East Coast Farming Expo, held over two days at Wairoa, offered an insight into the current state of agriculture on the east of the North Island, at a time when the locals are remembering the second anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Herd about the 110% milk solids/liveweight goal?

Methven farmers Earl and Melissa McSweeney are breeders of one of LIC’s best KiwiCross sires, 523092 Plateau Dembe, son of popular 21-code bull Baldricks Spectacular.

Minerals make a difference

Ensuring livestock receive a balanced and adequate mineral intake is essential for optimal health and productivity, as they play crucial roles in various physiological processes, including growth, reproduction, and disease resistance.

Meeting face-to-face with vegetable, fruit growers

The Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) team is looking forward to connecting with growers at the upcoming South Island Agricultural Field Days, says HortNZ chief executive Kate Scott.

'Cheap seed comes with major risks'

Choosing pasture seed at bargain prices may seem an attractive way for farmers to reduce autumn or spring re-sowing costs, but it comes with significant risks, says the NZ Plant Breeders and Research Association (PBRA).

Breeder credits late uncle for hair sheep success

Southland breeder Tim Gow attributes the success of his Shire breed of hair sheep to the expert guidance of his uncle, the late Dr Scott Dolling, who was a prominent Australian animal geneticist.

Hothouse trial hoping to slash plastic twine use

Vegetable grower NZ Hothouse Ltd has always been ahead of the game when it comes to sustainability, but new innovations are coming thick and fast.

University offers rural catchment solutions

A key element in Massey University’s research programme is its Farmed Landscapes Research Centre (FLRC).

First-time contestant named region’s best young farmer

A Franklin dairy farmer has inched closer to national victory after being crowned Northland’s top young farmer.

Paint silage bales and win

Fancy painting some silage bales and winning prizes?

Velvetleaf a real risk to crops

Any farmer that harvests or buys crops risks inviting one of the world's most invasive pest plants onto their property - to their detriment.

‘Nanobubble’ trial trims irrigation water usage

North Canterbury dairy farmer and recently-elected deputy chair of DairyNZ, Cameron Henderson, is enjoying a huge reduction in irrigation water use after converting a pivot irrigator to drag perforated drip tubes across the ground instead of elevated sprinkler heads.