M.I.A.
OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that the country will be going into a nation-wide Level 4 lockdown from Wednesday 11:59pm. Agriculture will still be able to operate as it is an essential service.
OPINION: Amidst the coronavirus upheaval, one thing is certain – agriculture will see the NZ economy through.
The world still needs to eat and trade channels remain open. The bedrock of country’s economy is still agriculture and our main export is of course food.
Farms and orchards will carry on, and with our biggest market China turning a corner with its COVID-19 situation, demand for our produce will remain strong. The fundamentals of food supply and demand remain strong.
To get us through, farmers will need our support. They’ll need good, trustworthy information.
They’ll need the usual inputs from the service and supply parts of the industry.
They’ll need some breathing space from political moves that might restrict their ability to operate efficiently.
Rural News is a trusted source of information for farmers and we will help keep our farming and rural communities connected. With rural events banned for the foreseeable future, the role we play in keeping the sector connected and informed is more vital than ever.
In the parlance of these somewhat unsure times, you can be assured that Rural News will keep calm and carry on.
New research suggests sheep and beef farmers could improve both profitability and emissions efficiency by increasing lamb weaning weights, with only marginal changes in total greenhouse gas emissions.
Southland farmers are being encouraged to get ahead of the winter grazing season by attending a practical field day in Pukerau next week.
New Zealand communities are being encouraged to participate in Road Safety Week, running from 4 - 10 May, with a nationwide push to raise awareness and reduce road harm.
Penske Australia & New Zealand has appointed Stephen Kelly as the general manager of its Penske NZ operations, effective immediately In this role he will oversee all NZ branch operations, including energy solutions, mining, commercial vehicles, defence, marine, and rail, while continuing to be based at Penske’s Christchurch branch.
According to the latest Federated Farmers-Rabobank Farm Remuneration Report, released today, farm worker pay growth has levelled off after a post-Covid period of rapid growth.
The Climate Change Commission has recommended maintaining the current New Zealand Emissions Trading System (NZ ETS) settings but warns of a potential unit shortfall as early as 2028.

OPINION: When Donald Trump returned to the White House, many people with half a brain could see the results for…
OPINION: Media trust has tanked because of what media's more woke members do and say.