James Blair Named 2026 Young Grower National Champion
James Blair, an agronomist for AS Wilcox and the Pukekohe regional champion, has won the 2026 Young Grower national title.
Your old mate is unsurprised at how much arrogance is taking over Government MPs – after only one year in power.
A good example is when Horticulture NZ recently made a submission on proposed new employment laws and the negative impact these would have on growers and their businesses. Hort NZ chief executive Mike Chapman says he was surprised by the antics of Labour MP Kieran McAnulty who dismissed the organisation’s concerns as “utter nonsense”.
Chapman says Hort NZ submitters were left speechless when they were told they did not understand what the Bill proposes. However, the Hound is not surprised. He reckons the “utter nonsense” is that an arrogant little twit like McAnulty gets to sit in Parliament and make stupid laws that impact on employers and people trying to run businesses.
Most dairy regions around the country have had a pretty good season so far says Tracy Brown.
Rural leader Mark Hooper has been appointed as an independent director to the NZPork board, bringing extensive farming, governance and advocacy experience to the role.
Opportunity says its land value tax (LVT) is unlikely to force farmers into a position where asset sales or increased debt are required.
Milk powder prices are keeping farmgate prices up, helping processors offset the dip in milk fat prices.
Climate, nature and animal wellbeing make up Fonterra's refreshed sustainability roadmap released last week.
The Government is introducing a new nationwide rural recycling scheme that will significantly increase the recovery of farm plastics from March next year, Minister for the Environment Nicola Grigg announced today.

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